Musculoskeletal Surgeries for Optimization of Ambulation Ability in Patients with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

ABSTRACT

Cerebral palsy is a disorder of movement and posture that arises from a congenital or acquired lesion of the immature brain. While the underlying cause is static, the musculoskeletal manifestations are progressive overtime. A variety of gait abnormalities are common, and orthopedic surgery typically is indicated when contractures or deformities decrease functions, cause pain, or interfere with activities of daily life. Surgical procedures should be scheduled to minimize the number of hospitalizations and interference with school and social activities. They can be divided into several groups of procedures; (1) to correct static or dynamic deformity, (2) balance muscle power across a joint, (3) reduce spasticity, and (4) stabilize uncontrollable joints. The clinical decision-making paradigm, consisting of clinical history, physical examination, diagnostic imaging, quantitative gait analysis, and examination under anesthesia makes it possible for single stage multi-level surgeries to reduce the long-term morbidity.