Spinal curvature, hand dominance and prolonged upper-extremity use of wheelchair-dependent DMD patients

A study of 26 wheelchair-dependent patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy aged between 11 and 23 years (average 16.5 years) showed no correlation between handedness or prolonged use of one upper extremity and convexity of the spinal curve. Severe, untreated scoliosis results in loss of function. A straight, stable spine allows patients to use their upper extremities functionally rather than for supporting the trunk.