The Relationship Between Scoliosis and Wheelchair Use In Patients With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Abstract

Objective: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakness and commonly associated with neuromuscular scoliosis. We aimed to investigate the relationship between scoliosis and wheelchair (assistive device) use in patients with DMD.Method: The study included 71 men aged between 8 and 18 years who were definitely diagnosed as DMD based on the clinical, laboratory, genetic, and biopsy findings. Demographic data, clinical findings, scoliosis, pain, and use of assistive devices of the patients who all used steroids were recorded.Results: The mean age of the patients was 10.95 +/- 5.32 years. Thirty-seven patients (52%) had scoliosis. Scoliosis was most commonly found in the dorsolumbar region. Its incidence increased with aging. Thirty-one patients (43.7%) had spinal pain most commonly located on the back region. A significant relationship was found between scoliosis and pain (p=0.000), and 27 (87.1%) of the 37 patients with scoliosis had pain Thirty-five patients used assistive devices. The most frequently used assistive device was wheelchair (n=33; 94%). Twenty-five (71.4%) of the 35 patients using an assistive device had scoliosis. There was a significant relationship between the use of assistive devices and scoliosis (p=0.001). Most (94%) of 33 patients using a wheelchair, had unsuitable wheelchairs. Only 6% of wheelchairs were suitable and recommended by a health professionalConclusion: Scoliosis-related pain is a common symptom encountered in DMD. Scoliosis is also associated with the use of assistive devices, wheelchairs in particular. Improper wheelchairs may contribute to the progression of scoliosis and pain. Therefore, it is essential to take scoliosis-related pain into account in DMD and to evaluate the suitability of wheelchair regularly and in detail for the patients using them. PU - DR BEHCET UZ COCUK HASTALIKLARI VE CERRAHISI PI - IZMIR PA - EGITIM VE ARASTIRMA HASTANESI ALSANCAK, IZMIR, 35000, TURKEY