Neuromuscular Scoliosis
Neuromuscular scoliosis
What it is
The word scoliosis means a permanent sideways deviation of either all or part of the spine.
Neuromuscular scoliosis is the type of scoliosis that occurs in people with problems in the muscles or nervous system.
The most common conditions that can lead to neuromuscular scoliosis are:
- Cerebral palsy
- Spinal muscular atrophy
- Syringomyelia
- Muscular dystrophies (e.g. Duchenne muscular dystrophy)
- Polio
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
The value of timely and valid diagnosis
If the above symptoms are present in your child, it is advisable to visit a specialist. Otherwise, the proper functioning of the musculoskeletal system may be affected and pain in the spine, difficulty walking or even sitting, and functionality in a wheelchair may be created. In some cases, it can affect vital organs of the human body such as the lungs or heart function.
What are the symptoms of neuromuscular scoliosis?
In neuromuscular scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the child’s body is observed with corresponding changes in the shape of the spine.
Other symptoms you may notice for neuromuscular scoliosis:
1.
Curvature in the back of the chest
2.
Asymmetry in the shoulders
3.
The hip or waist protrudes to one side
4.
The pelvis is not horizontal
5.
Tilt of the head to one side of the torso
6.
Pain in the waist or back
7.
Improper support/balance when using a wheelchair
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
What are the first steps if you detect the above symptoms?
If you notice worrying symptoms, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician or the physiotherapist who is attending to the child, who, after examination, will make an initial assessment of the condition. If they have the slightest concern about the existence of scoliosis, they will refer you to a specialized spine and scoliosis surgeon to make a complete diagnosis.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
How is the diagnosis made?
The spine surgeon will initially take a complete history of the child and then proceed to a detailed examination. For a complete diagnosis, he will refer you to X-rays of the entire spine and measure the angle of the scoliosis (Cobb angle). Depending on the results, an MRI or CT scan may be needed.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis
What treatment is indicated?
Regular check-ups
Neuromuscular scoliosis should be monitored by a Spine Surgeon, with regular appointments scheduled to ensure that the child’s progress is stable.
Physiotherapy – exercise
The importance of physical exercise and physiotherapy is important for children with neuromuscular scoliosis. It is very important to maintain any functionality of the muscles and joints in these patients.
Braces
The doctor who is treating your child will inform you if a brace is necessary and will guide you on its correct and effective use. The use of a brace in neuromuscular scoliosis is limited and aims to contain the size of the scoliosis and maintain flexibility until surgical correction is performed.
When is surgery necessary?
In case the curvature is very large, or the condition is rapidly worsening and functional problems occur, then, always at the doctor’s discretion and after an individualized evaluation, surgery is recommended.
If the child is under 10 years old, the condition may be treated as Early Onset Scoliosis. Once the doctor confirms that the child is close to completing the development of the spine, he can proceed with the final fusion surgery, Spinal Fusion.
The doctor will inform you in advance about the procedure and the possible risks, while for such a decision he always considers the burden of other diseases that may coexist.
