Managing Duchenne muscular dystrophy--the additive effect of spinal surgery and home nocturnal ventilation in improving survival.

Objectives: To determine the long term survival in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) following spinal surgery and nocturnal ventilation.

Study Design: A retrospective review of 100 consecutive patients born between 1970 and 1990 was conducted.

Results: Forty-seven patients had surgical spinal fusion, 27 were subsequently ventilated.