[Treatment for neuromuscular scoliosis in duchenne muscular dystrophy].

Patients with neuromuscular disorders are often complicated by progressive scoliosis. No established treatment for this type of scoliosis has been developed, however. We must pay attention to spinal deformity in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, especially after they lose the ability to walk because spinal deformity frequently develops. Patient with progressive scoliosis should be treated by specialists who can perform scoliosis surgery safely. Surgical treatment for scoliosis has developped, and pedicle screw fixation is one of the most widely accepted methods for the treatment of several types of scoliosis. This method is safe and effective. In Europe and the United States, patients with neuromuscular scoliosis usually undergo surgery at a relatively early stage. We should define surgical indications carefully, considering natural history and complications. In addition, sufficient informed consent from patients and their families is of utmost importance. Most surgeons believe that surgical treatment for spinal deformity in neuromuscular disease improves quality of life and activity of daily living.