The development of current approaches to the management of spinal deformity for patients with neuromuscular disease.

Special attention needs to be paid to the spine of a patient with a neuromuscular disorder. Spinal muscular weakness that causes progressive spinal collapse with resulting scoliosis, kyphosis, or kyphoscoliosis can lead to pain and difficulty in standing, walking, sitting, or balancing. Function and independence may be further lost. Appropriate measures, including spinal fusion in many instances, need to be undertaken as part of the overall care of the individual with neuromuscular disease.