Surgical correction

For some neuromuscular conditions surgical correction for the spine or achilles tendon, for example, may be recommended.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis means an unnatural sideways or twisting curvature of the spine. In muscular dystrophy and some of the other neuromuscular disorders scoliosis often develops because the weakened spinal muscles are unable to support the spinal column in the upright position, either standing or sitting.

There are many ways to manage scoliosis, one way is through surgery. To find out more see the fact sheet.

Scoliosis and spinal surgery

Achilles tendon release

Two important goals of physiotherapy for adults and children with neuromuscular conditions are to keep the joints as flexible as possible and, where feasible, to keep the person standing or walking. These goals are largely achieved using passive stretching and exercises, orthoses (e.g. splints or long-leg calipers), standing frames and swivel walkers.

Sometimes, if the Achilles tendon is becoming too tight and preventing a person from benefitting from these techniques, the tendon may be surgically released.