Orthotic management of scoliosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

This study investigates the effectiveness of spinal supports and seating systems in retarding the progress of spinal curvature in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The approach was to take six monthly radiographs of children with this disease attending the Regency Park Centre sitting in their wheelchairs with their usual spinal supports. Scoliosis progressed from a mean value of approximately 10 degrees for children under 12 years to a value of the order of 75 degrees by the age of 16 to 18 years. The rate of progression peaked at an average of more than 1 degree per month between 14 and 18 years. The curvatures observed using modular seats, spinal jackets and custom-molded seats were not significantly different from those observed using unmodified wheelchair seats.