Neuromuscular scoliosis

What is neuromuscular scoliosis?

Neuromuscular scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine caused by poor muscle control, neurological problems and other issues. Instead of having the straight line down the middle of the back, the spine makes a “C” curvature. This is the second most common form of scoliosis and the symptoms can mimic other spinal conditions. Symptoms the child may have include deteriorating ability to sit, uneven shoulders, uneven hips and favoring with leaning toward one side of a seat.

Testing & diagnosis

Physicians will conduct a thorough family and medical history followed by a complete and accurate diagnosis. Testing may include:

• Bone scan: Involves nuclear imaging that will evaluate arthritic changes in the joints that will detect bone diseases and tumors.
• X-ray: Creates a digital image of the precise location of the abnormal spinal bones and internal tissues.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): Can assess the spinal cord with detail along with producing images of the organs and structures throughout the body.
• CT scan (computed tomography): More detailed images that shows the bones, fat, organs and muscles.
• EOS imaging: Medical imaging system that is to provide frontal and lateral radiology photos, with reduced radiation.
• EMG (electromyogram): This test evaluates the electrical activity produced by the skeletal muscles.

Treatments

Treatments can include non-operative, operative and even a roadmap to recovery. Non-operative can consist of bracing and physical therapy. Operative may consist of spinal fusion, growing rods to prevent further curve and magnetic expansion control which we provide here at Advocate Children’s Hospital.