Scoliosis in Rett Syndrome

Rett syndrome is a progressive encephalopathy observed only in girls, who are apparently normal until 6 to 12 months of age. It is characterized by autism, dementia, ataxia, stereotypic hand movements, hyperreflexia, spasticity, and seizures. Eight of 10 females with Rett syndrome evaluated at the Alfred I. duPont Institute have C-shaped neuromuscular curves averaging 29 degrees (range 22-48 degrees). Curve progression was seen in all eight patients and occurred despite bracing in four, averaging 21 degrees (range 12-31 degrees). Five patients, two of whom were braced, have undergone posterior spinal fusion with segmental instrumentation for curves ranging in size from 49 to 105 degrees (average 67 degrees).