Neuromuscular conditions of childhood

In this article a review is given of the pathology, clinical features and orthopaedic management of some of the more common neuromuscular conditions affecting children. The term ‘neuromuscular’ will be used to cover those conditions in which there are significant musculoskeletal consequences of neurological or muscular pathology, and include cerebral palsy, myelodysplasia (spina bifida), poliomyelitis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy. Emphasis is placed on the principles of management rather than the technical details in recognition of the specialized nature of the treatments involved.