Fractures of long bones in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

The Journal of Trauma
|March 1, 1977
PubMed

Insights

Bed rest for children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy poses risks. Prompt fracture treatment is crucial to support their ability to walk independently for as long as possible.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Neuromuscular Disorders
  • Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

  • Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive genetic disorder affecting muscle strength.
  • Children with DMD often face mobility challenges and prolonged periods of immobility.
  • Bed confinement can exacerbate secondary health complications in these patients.

Observation:

  • Bed confinement procedures in children with DMD present significant health risks.
  • Fractures in children with DMD require careful management to avoid long-term disability.
  • Maintaining ambulation is a key goal in the care of DMD patients.

Findings:

  • The risks associated with bed confinement for pediatric Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy patients are substantial.
  • Fracture management in DMD should prioritize the preservation of ambulation.
  • Early and appropriate intervention for fractures can significantly impact functional outcomes.

Implications:

  • Healthcare providers must recognize and mitigate the dangers of bed rest in DMD.
  • Treatment strategies for fractures in DMD should focus on enabling continued independent ambulation.
  • Optimizing mobility in DMD patients enhances quality of life and functional independence.

Related Concept Videos

Sex-linked Disorders01:43

Sex-linked Disorders

Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.
Satellite Stem Cells and Muscular Dystrophy01:21

Satellite Stem Cells and Muscular Dystrophy

Satellite stem cells or myosatellite cells are quiescent stem cells that Alexander Mauro first identified in 1961. These cells are located between the sarcolemma, the plasma membrane of muscle fibers, and the basal lamina, the connective tissue sheath covering it. These mononucleated cells are activated in response to muscle injury, can transform into myoblasts, and may form or repair muscle fibers. Myosatellite cells can provide additional myonuclei for muscle regeneration or return to a...
Fractures: Bone Repair01:27

Fractures: Bone Repair

Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Bone Disorders01:29

Bone Disorders

Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age01:09

Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age

The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle01:28

Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle

The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...