[Orthopedic problems in children caused by neuromuscular diseases]. / Problèmes orthopédiques posés chez l'enfant par les maladies neuromusculaires.

In the child, neuromuscular diseases have an affect not only on the soft tissues but also on the skeleton, with consequences regarding statics and locomotion. Problems essentially involve the joints of the lower limb. Certain are due to muscular imbalance, eg. an unstable hip, coxa valga, hyperanteversion or miscellaneous abnormalities of the knee. Others are due to sensory denervation, resulting in "neurological joints". Vertebro-pelvic abnormalities also occur with manifestations, according to the individual case, including tilting of the pelvis, paralytic scoliosis or vertebral dysmorphism. It is easy to understand the importance of awareness of such abnormalities, which can be detected early radiologically, and then subjected to expert evaluation in order to be able to select in good time the most appropriate orthopedic management.

Biomechanical measurement of spastic plantarflexors.

A study was conducted to determine the feasibility of quantifying spasticity in plantarflexors by measuring the resistance to passive dorsiflexion of the ankle joint at several constant angular speeds. Repeated testing was conducted on normal subjects and spastic patients. Good repeatability was found for both groups and both groups were found to differ significantly from each other with respect to the measurement variable. The method will provide a useful tool for quantifying alterations in plantarflexor spasticity which result from various surgical and non-surgical treatments.