Retrospective Analysis of Fractures and Factors Causing Ambulation Loss After Lower Limb Fractures in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Objective: Prevalence and characteristics of fractures and factors related to loss of ambulation after lower limb fractures were investigated.

Design: Chart review included height, weight, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, corticosteroid use, vitamin D, fracture history, muscle strength, range of motion, and timed performance tests (10 meter walk/run, Gowers, and four steps). Patients were grouped by fracture location and ambulation loss after fracture.

Results: Two hundred eighty-seven patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy were identified, 53 of these had experienced fracture. Eighty-one percent were older than 9 yrs at first fracture and 36.4% became nonambulatory after fracture. Dorsiflexion range of motion (fracture side, P = 0.021), quadriceps strength (right side, P = 0.025), and shoulder abduction strength (right, left, and fracture side; P = 0.028, P = 0.027, and P = 0.016) were significantly different within the groups. Patients who became nonambulatory after fracture initially had less dorsiflexion (right, left, fracture side; 2.25 vs. -7.29, P = 0.004; 2.67 vs. -12, P = 0.001; and 2.41 vs. -7.42, P = 0.002) and slower 10-meter walk/run times (7.43 secs vs. 14.7 secs, P = 0.005).

Conclusions: Fracture represents a significant risk in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; both slower walking speed and ankle contracture confer an increased risk of ambulation loss after fracture.

To Claim Cme Credits: Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Identify the main factors that are associated with ambulation loss after fracture in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; (2) Identify the risk of fracture in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy population; and (3) Articulate the characteristics associated with fracture in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Level: Advanced.

Accreditation: The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.