Limb girdle muscular dystrophy: a case report initially presenting to an outpatient musculoskeletal physiotherapy clinic with spinal pain and functional weakness.

O'SHEA, Simon and JENKINS, Thomas M (2019). Limb girdle muscular dystrophy: a case report initially presenting to an outpatient musculoskeletal physiotherapy clinic with spinal pain and functional weakness. Archives of physiotherapy, 9: 13.

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Official URL: https://archivesphysiotherapy.biomedcentral.com/ar...
Open Access URL: https://archivesphysiotherapy.biomedcentral.com/co... (Published version)
Link to published version:: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40945-019-0066-3

Abstract

Background: The term limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) describes a group of genetic muscular disorders that require specialist input from neurologically trained clinicians. The plethora of potential symptoms of this heterogenous group can result in patients presenting initially to musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapists. Case presentation: The following case report highlights the presentation of a 21 year old female attending with 2 years of spinal pain and an unusual pattern of weakness, namely when rising from a sitting position the hips were abducted and then internally rotated. Formal testing in clinic revealed no isolated weakness initially despite the odd functional movements. There were no neural limb pains and no upper or lower motor neuron concerns on testing. There were no other health concerns. Some gains were reported with recent physiotherapy strengthening exercises and these were persisted with but proved ineffective overall. The Biopsychosocial model was used judiciously to explore alternative pathologies and led to appropriate investigations, onward referral, diagnosis and appropriate management of LGMD. Extensive atrophy of the spinal muscles was evident on imaging which was not particularly identified within the physiotherapy testing process in the earlier stages. Creatine kinase levels were also significantly raised. Conclusions: Being mindful of this novel presentation in musculoskeletal clinics may well aid future, similar cases to be identified. The case highlights the importance of looking at the functional impact as opposed to traditional testing methods especially in the early stages of such conditions.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Back pain; Limb girdle muscular dystrophy; Weakness
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40945-019-0066-3
SWORD Depositor: Symplectic Elements
Depositing User: Symplectic Elements
Date Deposited: 22 Nov 2022 15:44
Last Modified: 12 Oct 2023 09:01
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/30948

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