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

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: 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) in patients with DMD METHODS: The study included 71 men aged between 8 and 18 years who were diagnosed with DMD based on the clinical, laboratory, genetic, and biopsy findings and have been using steroids. Patients' demographic data, clinical findings, scoliosis, pain, and use of assistive devices were recorded RESULTS: The mean age was 10.95 +-5.32. Thirty-seven patients (52% )had scoliosis. Scoliosis was most commonly found in the dorsolumbar region. Thirty-one patients (43.7%) had spinal pain, most commonly located in the back region. A significant relationship was found between scoliosis and pain; 27 (87.1%) of the 37 patients with scoliosis had pain (p=0.000). Thirty-five patients used assistive devices. The most commonly used assistive device was the wheelchair (94%). Twenty-five of the 35 patients using an assistive device (71.4%) had scoliosis. There was a significant relationship between the use of assistive devices and scoliosis was (p=0.001). Of the 33 patients using a wheelchair and 94% had unsuitable wheelchairs. Only 6% had a suitable wheelchair recommended by a health professional DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Scoliosis-related pain is a common symptom. 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 for the patients using them.

Keywords

• duchenne muscular dystrophy
• scoliosis
• wheelchair
• pain