The relationship between scoliosis and upper extremity functions in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between scoliosis and upper extremity functions in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Patients and methods Between January 2018 and July 2018, a total of 55 patients (54 males, 1 female; mean age: 9.9±2.9 years; range, 6 to 15 years) who were diagnosed with DMD based on the clinical, laboratory, muscle biopsy and molecular analysis results were included in this cross-sectional study. Scoliosis was evaluated and Cobb angles were measured. Functional Ambulation Scale and Brooke and Vignos scale scores were recorded. The ABILHAND-Kids questionnaire and Nine-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) were used to assess the upper extremity functions. Hand grip strengths were also evaluated. Results The median ABILHAND-Kids scores and the hand grip strength values of the patients without scoliosis were significantly higher compared to those with scoliosis (p=0.002 and p=0.004 for right hand and p=0.012 for left hand, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in the 9-HPT scores between the patients with and without scoliosis (p>0.05). We found a negative, significant correlation between the Cobb angle and ABILHAND-Kids scores in patients with scoliosis (r=-0.503; p=0.017). Conclusion Our study results show a moderate relationship between scoliosis and upper extremity functions. Scoliosis may adversely affect upper extremity functions in patients with DMD.