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Muscular Dystrophy

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Most children are diagnosed with a type of muscular dystrophy called Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Parents may start noticing symptoms and signs such as:

  • Difficulty getting up off the floor
  • Frequent falling
  • Inability to lift the head
  • Large calf muscles
  • Not walking by age 15 months
  • Waddling gait
  • Walking on toes

Progression of the disorder can lead to problems breathing, contracture of the muscles, curved spine, inability to walk and more. If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms, contact our Muscular Dystrophy Clinic today.

Start a Plan for Long-term Care

After your child is diagnosed, there are a variety of care options for your child. Treatments include medications, such as steroids, to keep your child’s muscles as strong as possible and reduce further progression of weakness. Physical therapy is another option, including range-of-motion exercises and orthopedic devices, such as bracing, to support muscles.

In some instances, your child may require surgery to straighten their spine. The weakened muscles around the spine can encourage spinal curvature, resulting in scoliosis. Our pediatric orthopedic team is able to straighten the spine with a spinal fusion.