Abstract Neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS) broadly defines a group of disorders defined by an abnormal spinal curvature in the presence of an underlying neuromuscular disease such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. Neuromuscular disorders may be broadly classified into two major categories based on etiology: neuropathic (this is subdivided further based on the origin of the underlying neuropathy) or myopathic. NMS may develop at any stage of a patient’s life, although it most commonly occurs during childhood. The progression of NMS is highly variable based on the underlying disease, but certain factors, such as age of onset, speed of spinal curve progression, or ambulation status, may help predict the typical course of this disorder. Therefore, it is essential to understand the classification and natural history of NMS and the differences in how certain conditions affect the progression of this disorder, so that proper therapeutic management and counseling can be provided to this group of patients.
Clements et al. (Fri,) studied this question.