Neuromuscular scoliosis: An overview

Progressive neurologic and muscular diseases can cause progressive and severe scoliosis. Some of these diseases include Duchenne muscular dystrophy, arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, Rett syndrome, and congenital myopathies. Besides the severe scoliosis, these diseases commonly affect other organ systems including the pulmonary and cardiac systems, which need to be considered when treating the scoliosis. Frequently, scoliosis is not well managed with bracing or other nonoperative interventions. Spinal fusion is recommended in the older patient. In patients with early-onset scoliosis, fusion is typically delayed with a growth friendly procedure such as growing rods, VEPTR, and Shilla.