About Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
Key Highlights
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Multidisciplinary approach tailored to the child's specific needs and type of CMD.Aims to preserve mobility and functional independence for as long as possible.Focuses on proactive management to prevent or delay joint contractures and spinal deformities.Integrates non-surgical (therapy, bracing) and surgical strategies for comprehensive care.Improves overall quality of life by addressing pain, posture, and respiratory support.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of any subtype of Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (e.g., Ullrich, Merosin-deficient).
- Development of joint contractures (tightness) in ankles, knees, hips, or elbows.
- Progressive scoliosis (curvature of the spine) that may impair sitting balance or lung function.
- Hip dislocation or subluxation related to muscle imbalance.
- Significant foot deformities (e.g., clubfoot) affecting standing or bracing.
- Chronic pain or discomfort due to musculoskeletal misalignment.
- Decline in functional abilities related to orthopedic issues.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation by a pediatric neurologist and geneticist to confirm CMD subtype.
- Detailed orthopedic assessment including physical exam, X-rays, and sometimes MRI.
- Pre-operative cardiopulmonary evaluation (echocardiogram, pulmonary function tests) due to associated heart and lung involvement.
- Nutritional assessment to ensure optimal health status for healing.
- Discussion with the family about goals, expected outcomes, and the long-term care plan.
- Pre-operative physical therapy to optimize muscle condition.
- Planning for necessary post-operative equipment (wheelchairs, braces, hospital bed).
Risks & possible complications
- General anesthesia risks, which are higher in children with CMD due to potential cardiac and respiratory involvement.
- Surgical wound infection or poor healing.
- Blood loss during surgery.
- Nerve or blood vessel injury.
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots).
- Failure of the surgery to achieve its goal (e.g., recurrence of contracture).
- Post-operative pain and discomfort.
- Complications related to immobility, such as pressure sores or pneumonia.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for pain management, monitoring, and beginning gentle mobilization.
- Use of casts, splints, or braces to protect surgical corrections.
- Early involvement of physical and occupational therapists to guide safe movement.
- Gradual, supervised return to stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Pain management tailored to the child's needs.
- Close monitoring of respiratory function, especially after major surgeries like spinal fusion.
- Long-term follow-up with the orthopedic team to monitor progress and adjust bracing.
- Ongoing home exercise programs and adaptations to daily activities.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for initial healing; lifelong management
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering congenital muscular dystrophy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform congenital muscular dystrophy. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for congenital muscular dystrophy compare across other countries where we have data.
Karan Singh is a 10-year-old boy...
Karan Singh is a 10-year-old boy from a small town in Punjab. He was diagnosed with congenital muscular dystrophy at age 3. Karan loves cricket and tries to keep up with his friends, but his condition has slowly progressed. Over the past year, his parents noticed his ankles were turning inward (severe bilateral clubfoot deformity), making walking increasingly painful and unstable. He was tripping frequently and could no longer stand for more than a few minutes. Dr. Sharma, his pediatric orthopedist, recommended bilateral Achilles tendon lengthening and posterior tibialis tendon transfer surgeries. He explained that while the surgery wouldn't stop the muscle weakness, it would correct the foot deformity, reduce pain, and hopefully preserve Karan's ability to walk independently for several more years. The surgery went smoothly, but recovery was challenging. Karan spent 6 weeks in non-weight-bearing casts, followed by intensive physiotherapy to regain strength and learn to walk with his newly aligned feet. A year later, Karan's foot posture is much improved. He walks with greater stability and significantly less pain. While he uses a wheelchair for long distances, he can now stand comfortably to bowl a few overs with his friends in the driveway. Emotionally, Karan was frustrated and scared before the surgery, worried he would lose mobility entirely. Afterwards, he felt a sense of relief from the constant pain and a renewed, if bittersweet, confidence in his body. His family focuses on celebrating what he *can* do.
Pediatric Orthopedics for Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform congenital muscular dystrophy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata