One-session surgery for correction of lower extremity deformities in children with cerebral palsy

Traditional thinking regarding surgery for the spastic child has favored correction of joint deformities one at a time. This often necessitates several operations. In addition, deformities of unoperated joints may jeopardize operative results. Since 1975, we have surgically treated all the lower extremity deformities of each cerebral palsied child in one session. We have carried out single measure operations as well as multiple operative procedures in which bilateral corrective operations are performed on several joints. Of 114 children treated, 40 had multiple and 74 had single operative procedures. Treatment was successful, without need for further surgery, in 80% of the former group and in 61% of the latter. The advantages of one-session surgery are a reduction in the number of operations and, possibly, a reduced chance of reoperation and complications.