Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
Enhancing the Development and Growth of Infant Cerebral Palsy Rats Using Selective Spinal Manipulations
Published on: February 2, 2024
Does gender influence the long-term outcome of single-event multilevel surgery in spastic cerebral palsy?
Ernst B Zwick1, Martin Svehlík, Tanja Kraus
1Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, , Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Insights
Boys with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) experienced a decline in walking ability after surgery, unlike girls who maintained improvements. This suggests sex impacts long-term CP treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neurology
Background:
- Spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) is a common childhood motor disorder.
- Single-event multilevel surgery (SEMS) aims to improve ambulatory function in children with CP.
- Long-term outcomes of SEMS, particularly concerning sex differences, require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the long-term outcomes of SEMS in male and female children with spastic diplegic CP.
- To investigate potential sex-based differences in gait improvement and maintenance following surgery.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 34 children (19 boys, 15 girls) with spastic diplegic CP underwent SEMS.
- A minimum follow-up period of 10 years was established for all participants.
- The Gillette Gait Index (GGI) was utilized as the primary outcome measure to assess walking ability.
Main Results:
- Both boys and girls demonstrated initial benefits from SEMS, with no significant differences in surgical procedures.
- Over the long term (≥10 years), girls consistently maintained their improved walking ability.
- Boys, however, exhibited a continuous deterioration in walking ability post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Sex appears to be a significant factor influencing the long-term effectiveness of SEMS in children with spastic diplegic CP.
- While SEMS provides initial gains, the sustained benefits differ between sexes.
- Further research is warranted to explore the underlying reasons for these sex-based outcome disparities in CP management.
Abstract:
This study compared the long-term outcome of single-event multilevel surgery in spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) on the basis of sex. We hypothesized that boys would have a worse outcome than girls. Thirty-four children (19 boys and 15 girls) with diplegic spastic CP and a minimal follow-up of 10 years were included. The Gillette Gait Index was the main outcome measure. We found no differences in surgical treatment, and both groups initially benefited from the surgery. However, although girls maintained the enhanced level of walking, walking ability in boys deteriorated constantly. Such a finding suggests that sex might have an important influence on treatment outcomes in children with CP.
