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Orthopedic issues after cerebrovascular accident.
Michael J Gardner1, Bernard C Ong, Frank Liporace
1Medical College of Pennsylvania, and Hahnemann University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA.
American Journal of Orthopedics (Belle Mead, N.J.)
|October 31, 2002
Summary
Patients with hemiplegia after a cerebrovascular accident commonly develop orthopedic issues like spasticity, contractures, shoulder pain, hip fractures, and heterotopic ossification. Early recognition of these orthopedic complications is crucial for effective patient management.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) frequently lead to hemiplegia, causing significant motor deficits.
- Hemiplegic patients often develop secondary orthopedic complications that impact their functional recovery and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the most common orthopedic conditions encountered in patients with hemiplegia secondary to cerebrovascular accidents.
- To highlight the importance of recognizing both overt and subtle orthopedic manifestations in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- This article is a review summarizing common orthopedic issues in hemiplegic stroke patients.
- It synthesizes clinical observations and existing literature on the topic.
Main Results:
- Common orthopedic problems include muscle spasticity, joint contractures, shoulder pain, hip fractures, and heterotopic ossification.
- Some of these orthopedic conditions may not be immediately apparent and can be easily overlooked during clinical assessment.
Conclusions:
- Orthopedic surgeons must be aware of the spectrum of potential complications in hemiplegic patients post-stroke.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of these orthopedic issues are essential for optimizing patient outcomes and rehabilitation potential.