RESUMO
STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective radiography study, we analyzed curve shape and direction in scoliosis secondary to neuromuscular disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine if in different types of neuromuscular scoliosis a predominant curve pattern can be found and if similarities with idiopathic scoliosis exist. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: To the authors' knowledge, systematic analysis of curve patterns in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis has not been performed in a group of this size and composition. METHODS: Spinal full-length radiographs of 198 patients with neuromuscular scoliosis were analyzed for curve shape and direction. Patients were divided into 4 groups consisting of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, and spina bifida. RESULTS: The results of this study show a predominance of right-sided thoracic and thoracolumbar curves, and left-sided lumbar curves, which differed significantly from an equal right-left distribution. Apical levels were respectively at T8, T12/L1 disc, and L2. CONCLUSION: In neuromuscular scoliosis, curve patterns and apical levels are similar to what is seen in the most prevalent types of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.