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Investigation of scoliosis in duchenne dystrophy using computerized tomography
Author(s) -
Stern L. M.,
Clark B. E.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/mus.880110715
Subject(s) - duchenne muscular dystrophy , scoliosis , medicine , anatomy , lumbar , hamstring muscles , erector spinae muscles , cobb angle , dorsum , lumbar vertebrae , tomography , orthodontics , radiology , surgery , hamstring
In order to determine the role of the spinal muscles in the etiology of the scoliosis associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, we carried out a study of 16 children using computerized tomography. Scans were taken at the level of the 9th dorsal and the 3rd lumbar vertebrae. Density readings were taken in the medial and lateral portions of the erector spinae. The results confirmed the loss of muscle and replacement by fat which was greater on the concave side. The density differences between the convex and concave sides correlated with the degree of curvature measured by Cobb's method. Computed tomography may offer a prognostic indicator in the development of scoliosis.