What is Muscular Dystrophy?
Muscular dystrophy (MD) refers to a group of genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the voluntary muscles which control movement.
Types of Neuromuscular Diseases
There are different forms of neuromuscular diseases including myotonic, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Becker, limb-girdle, facioscapulohumeral, congenital, oculopharyngeal, distal, Emery-Dreifuss and Peroneal Dystrophy.
These diseases can affect people of all ages, however, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is one of the most common affecting children. Some forms of neuromuscular diseases first become apparent in infancy or childhood, while others may not appear until middle age or later.
Treatment in the Neuromuscular Disease Clinic
Obtaining the correct diagnosis is essential in choosing the best treatment plan. There is no specific treatment for any of the forms of neuromuscular diseases, however, occupational and physical therapy are key components of the treatment plan that may be combined with selected medical therapy to slow the progression of the disease. Physical and occupational therapy assists in maintaining mobility by preventing contractures, a condition in which shortened muscles around joints cause abnormal and sometimes painful position of the joints. Orthosis (orthopaedic appliances used for support), adaptive positioning and devices sustain functional capabilities. In some cases corrective orthopaedic surgery may be needed to improve the quality of life.
Orthopaedic Hospital Neuromuscular Disease Clinic
The Clinic began in the 1950s. The goal was to create a place where children with muscular dystrophy could be evaluated by doctors and therapists from various specialties working together to treat the complex nature of theses disorders.
Muscular Dystrophy Team
The Orthopaedic Hospital Muscular Dystrophy Clinic team includes a pediatric orthopaedist, pediatric neurologist, pediatrician, physical and occupational therapists, pediatric nurse specialist, dietician and orthotist.
The Pediatric Orthopaedist is the surgeon who specializes in the musculoskeletal system of children, including fractures, trauma, bone diseases and disorders, soft tissue impairments and pediatric muscle deformities. The orthopaedist manages the problems resulting from muscle imbalances, and when necessary provides surgical intervention such as a fusion of joints in their most functional position or correcting a bony deformity. Our physician offers insight into the orthopaedic issues facing both children and adults with muscular dystrophy, and other less common neuromuscular diseases, and provide treatments that minimize deformity and maximize mobility and functional capacity.
Rodney Gabriel, M.D.
Orthopaedic Surgeon
The Pediatric Neurologist is a physician who specializes in disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles in children. Pediatric neurologists focus on establishing the underlying cause of neurological disorders, including cerebral palsy. They also treat the associated medical problems such as seizures, movement disorders, metabolic conditions and neurobehavioral issues.
Michel Philippart, M.D.
Neurologist
The Physical Therapist is a health care professional trained to assess and treat movement and function. Physical therapists examine muscle range of motion, spasticity, strength and posture and assess their impact on function and mobility. Our physical therapists communicate with community therapists in the design and implementation of treatment interventions and equipment such as wheelchairs and braces. Gait studies at the Kameron Gait and Motion Analysis Laboratory are conducted by physical therapists.
Cindy Bailey, PhD, D.P.T., O.C.S., S.C.S., A.T.C., E.M.T.
Physical Therapist
The Occupational Therapist is a health care professional who provides skilled treatment to help individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. Occupational therapists give people the "skills for the job of living" necessary for independent and satisfying lives. Our occupational therapist assesses and makes recommendations for treatment of fine and gross motor skills, feeding and oral-motor development, computer use, dressing, bathing and other activities of daily living.
Cory Fitzgerald, M.A.
Occupational Therapist
The Pediatrician reviews medical issues and coordinates the general healthcare of the patient, in addition to working with the orthopaedic surgeon for pre-operative assessments if surgery is indicated and overseeing medical issues for hospitalized patients.
Jennifer Balucan, M.D.
Pediatrician
The Nurse Specialist assists in making sure all medical orders are carried out, and provides case management and nursing assessment for the patient.
Susan Wood-Roche, R.N., B.S.N.
Nurse Specialist
Also part of the core team is a registered dietician and orthotist. The dietician provides assistance in meal plans so patients receive adequate caloric intake for healthy growth and development. The orthotist works with the team to prevent unequal or unbalanced muscle groups which can lead to deformities as the child grows. If a deformity is perceived, the orthotist works with the therapists in bandaging, casting, or bracing to bring the deformed extremity into the proper plane of function to maximize available motor function.
More Treatments & Services
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Appointment Scheduling
For assistance in scheduling an appointment with the Neuromuscular Disease Clinic, please call the Orthopaedic Hospital Physician Referral Service Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at: (213) 741-8330
Insurance
All types of insurance are accepted, including Medi-Cal, CCS, HMO and PPO.
FAX Physician Referrals to:
Children's referrals and authorizations may be directed to the Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Group. Please include disorder information (medical notes), and the parent's daytime phone number. FAX: (213) 741-8311. After receiving a faxed referral or authorization, the Appointment Center will call the parent to schedule a neuromuscular disease evaluation.
Additional Information
For more information regarding the Neuromuscular Disease Clinic at Orthopaedic Hospital, please call the Physician Referral Service at: (213) 742-6509 or
click here to email us.
Orthopaedic Hospital
2400 South Flower Street
Los Angeles, California 90007
(213) 742-1000
Map and Directions
Dr. Philippart confers with a nurse
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