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Assessment and management of the lower extremity in cerebral palsy

E T Jones1, D R Knapp

  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, West Virginia University Medical Center, Morgantown.

The Orthopedic Clinics of North America
|October 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

Early intervention for spastic muscles in children with cerebral palsy prevents lower extremity deformities. Aggressive management, including soft tissue procedures, is crucial for severe cases to restore joint balance and avoid long-term issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Neurology
  • Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

  • Cerebral palsy (CP) frequently causes lower extremity problems, including spasticity.
  • Muscle imbalances in children with CP can lead to significant bony deformities and postural issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of early intervention for spastic muscle groups in pediatric cerebral palsy.
  • To emphasize the role of soft tissue procedures in managing lower extremity deformities in children with CP.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current treatment strategies for lower extremity involvement in cerebral palsy.
  • Focus on the timing and type of interventions for muscle spasticity.

Main Results:

  • Early attention to overactive spastic muscles can prevent bony deformities in most cases.
  • More severe cases require aggressive, early soft tissue procedures to balance muscle groups around joints.

Conclusions:

  • Timely and aggressive management of soft tissue problems is essential for preventing long-term bony deformities and severe posturing in the lower extremities of children with cerebral palsy.

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