[Hemiplegia and cerebral palsy - multidisciplinary treatment of the spastic upper extremity]

Spastic hemiplegia and cerebral palsy often lead to typical deformities of the upper extremity. Muscle- and joint-contractures may be painful and aesthetically unappealing and may interfere with function and hygiene. Within the first weeks after the cerebral incidence the vital threat is dominating and the exact amount of neurologic impairment is not assessable. During this period, conservative treatment should counteract the development of contractures. After spontaneous neurologic recovery, surgical options should be taken into account. When choosing surgical procedures, factors as volitional motor control, sensibility and cognition must be taken into account besides the morphologic changes. This is best achieved in a multidisciplinary setting of neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, physiotherapists and surgeons.