Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
4094753 | Seminars in Spine Surgery | 2012 | 5 Pages |
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic disorder that compromises motor strength and function and typically manifests in childhood. Patients with significant involvement will often develop scoliosis of neuromuscular origin as young children. In the past, brace treatment was of minimal benefit in halting curve progression and frequently added to respiratory compromise. Early spinal fusion surgery would limit trunk or sitting height and impair normal lung development. The strategy of using the growing rod distraction technique to permit longitudinal spinal growth while managing the spinal deformity has emerged as a viable means of managing scoliosis and spinal deformity in this challenging patient population.
Related Topics
Health Sciences
Medicine and Dentistry
Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Authors
William D. Long III, Brian G. Smith,