The effect of hip reconstruction on gross motor function levels in children with cerebral palsy

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether the hip reconstruction has an effect on gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) levels in patients with hip instability in cerebral palsy (CP).

Windswept hip deformity in children with cerebral palsy: a population-based prospective follow-up

Purpose

To analyze the development of windswept hip deformity (WS) in a total population of children with cerebral palsy (CP) up to 20 years of age, the association between WS and hip dislocation, and femoral varus osteotomy and scoliosis, and the impact of a hip surveillance program on the subsequent incidence of WS.

Methods

This is a prospective study on children with CP in southern Sweden included in the Swedish follow-up programme and registry for CP (CPUP). All children born between 1990 and 1995 with CP were included; those born between 1990 and 1991 did not partake in the hip surveillance program until they were older (3–5 years of age) and served as a historic control group. Children born between 1992 and 1995 were included in the hip surveillance program from about 2 years of age and constituted the study group.

Results

In the control group, 12 of 68 children (18 %) developed WS. In the study group of 139 children, 13 (9 %) developed WS (p = 0.071). Of all 25 children with WS, 21 also developed scoliosis and 5 developed a hip dislocation. The number of children with WS starting in the lower extremities was significantly lower in the study group (p = 0.028). No difference between the two groups was seen regarding WS that started in combination with scoliosis.

Conclusion

With early inclusion in a hip surveillance program and early treatment of contractures, it appears possible to reduce the frequency of WS starting in the lower extremities.

     

Hip displacement in relation to age and gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy

Purpose

Hip dislocation in cerebral palsy (CP) is a serious complication. By radiographic screening and prophylactic surgery of children at risk most dislocations can be prevented. CPUP, the Swedish CP registry and follow-up program, includes annual radiographic examinations of children at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III–V. Data from CPUP were analysed to assess the risk of hip displacement in relation to GMFCS levels and age.

Methods

All children at GMFCS levels III–V (N = 353) whose first radiographic screening occurred before 3 years of age were followed between the ages 2–7 years. Migration percentages (MPs) were recorded annually (1,664 pelvic radiographs) and analysed using discrete time survival analysis.

Results

The risk of hip displacement between 2 years and 7 years of age was significantly (p < 0.05) higher for children at GMFCS level V during the entire study period. The risk was highest at 2–3 years of age and decreased significantly (p < 0.001) with each year of age (OR = 0.71, 95 % CI 0.60–0.83). The cumulative risk at age 7 years for those at GMFCS V for MP ≥ 40 % was 47 % (95 % CI 37–58). The corresponding risk at GMFCS IV was 24 % (16–34) and at GMFCS III 23 % (12–42).

Conclusions

Children at GMFCS V have a significantly higher risk of hip displacement compared with children at GMFCS III–IV. The risk is highest at 2–3 years of age. The results support a surveillance program including radiographic hip examinations as soon as the diagnosis of severe CP is suspected.     

A balanced approach for stable hips in children with cerebral palsy: a combination of moderate VDRO and pelvic osteotomy

Background

Hip reconstructive surgery in cerebral palsy (CP) patients necessitates either femoral varus derotational osteotomy (VDRO) or pelvic osteotomy, or both. The purpose of this study is to review the results of a moderate varisation [planned neck shaft angle (NSA) of 130°] in combination with pelvic osteotomy for a consecutive series of patients.

Methods

Patients with CP who had been treated at our institution for hip dysplasia, subluxation or dislocation with VDRO in combination with pelvic osteotomy between 2005 and 2010 were reviewed.

Results

Forty patients with a mean follow-up of 5.4 years were included. The mean age at the time of operation was 8.9 years. The majority were non-ambulant children [GMFCS I–III: n = 11 (27.5 %); GMFCS IV–V: n = 29 (72.5 %)]. In total, 57 hips were treated with both femoral and pelvic osteotomy. The mean pre-operative NSA angle of 152.3° was reduced to 132.6° post-operatively. Additional adductor tenotomy was performed in nine hips (16 %) at initial operation. Reimers’ migration percentage (MP) was improved from 63.6 % pre-operatively to 2.7 % post-operatively and showed a mean of 9.7 % at the final review. The results were good in 96.5 % (n = 55) with centred, stable hips (MP <33 %), fair in one with a subluxated hip (MP 42 %) and poor in one requiring revision pelvic osteotomy for ventral instability.

Conclusions

This approach maintains good hip abduction and reduces soft-tissue surgery. Moderate varisation in VDRO in combination with pelvic osteotomy leads to good mid-term results with stable, pain-free hips, even in patients with severe spastic quadriplegia.

     

Neurogenic hip dislocation in cerebral palsy: quality of life and results after hip reconstruction

Background At birth, no difference exists between the hips of children with spastic cerebral palsy and the hips of other children. The typical pathologic deformities of the hips in children with spastic cerebral palsy develop as the child gets older. One of our goals was to evaluate the change in quality of life of children with cerebral palsy after hip reconstruction. For classification of the children’s condition, we assessed sitting and standing abilities and used the Gross Motor Function Classification System. To evaluate the effect of hip dislocation on the spine, we assessed symmetry while the patient was lying down, sitting, and standing. Methods The results of surgical reconstruction of hip joints in 54 patients with severe cerebral palsy who had 66 severely subluxated or dislocated hip joints were retrospectively analyzed. The study was based on a research questionnaire with a mean follow-up of 4 years 10 months. The purpose of the questionnaire was to evaluate the pain, functional abilities, symmetry, and independence of the patients by using the modified Barthel index. Results Pain was fully relieved in 62 and was eased in 35% of preoperatively painful hips. The functional abilities of sitting and standing were not influenced statistically significantly by the operation. An improvement in sitting symmetry was observed in 40% and improvement in lying symmetry was observed in 32% of the patients. The mean center-edge angle improved from −24.9° ± 39° (mean ± standard deviation) to 25.9° ± 14°. The acetabular index improved from 30.2° ± 8° to 17.1° ± 7°. Conclusions The independence of the patients, based on the modified Barthel index, did not change significantly after surgery. Most improvements in quality of life were observed in those patients who had pain in the hip before the operation as a result of reduction of pain and improved mobility of the hip. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

The anatomy of the dysplastic hip in cerebral palsy related to prognosis and treatment

Summary The development of dysplasia of the hip in cerebral palsy has been studied in 292 hips in children. The rate of migration of the hip has been defined, and gave a very early indication of the prognosis for the dysplasia. A close relationship was also found between the early radiographic changes and the functional locomotor anatomy. By reviewing the initial radiographs the need for early treatment and its adaptation to the future locomotor potential of the child can be assessed. Treatment is usually by musculotendinous releases and is especially effective in early recentring of the femoral head, but this method is ineffective in correcting bone dysplasia, particularly acetabular obliquity, which starts at around the age of 30 months. It is preferable to anticipate its development by early tenotomies which are much better tolerated than pelvic osteotomy in spastic children.

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Résumé L'évolution de la dysplasie de hanche chez l'infirme moteur cérébral est étudiée à partir de 292 cas.Cette étude permet de préciser la vitesse de migration de la hanche, ce qui autorise à formuler très tôt dans l'évolution dysplasique un pronostic anatomique. L'analyse des signes radiologiques précoces de la dysplasie en fonction de l'autonomie locomotrice de l'enfant dégage un remarquable parallélisme anatomofonctionnel.Ainsi, l'analyse des premières images radiographiques permet tout à la fois une prévision anatomique et une prévision fonctionnelle, autorisant un traitement précoce et adapté aux futures conditions de vie de l'enfant.Ce traitement doit être étiologique, basé sur les libérations musculo-tendineuses. Il est surtout efficace sur le recentrage coxofémoral et cela d'autant plus qu'il est réalisé plus précocément. Ces ténotomies sont au contraire peu efficaces sur la dysplasie osseuse, notamment sur l'obliquité cotyloödienne. Or, celle-ci débute vers 30 mois. Mieux vaut donc prévenir sa survenue par des ténotomies précoces et toujours bien tolérées plutôt que de la corriger par ostéotomie pelvienne, moins bien supportée par ces enfants fragiles.

     

Risk factors and complications in hip reconstruction for nonambulatory patients with cerebral palsy

Background

Hip dysplasia is prevalent in nonambulatory children with cerebral palsy, and may contribute to a decreased quality of life (Lonstein in J Pediatr Orthop 6:521–526, 1). Reconstructive procedures such as a femoral varus derotation osteotomy with or without a pelvic osteotomy are commonly employed with the goal of achieving and maintaining well reduced hips.

Purposes

The goals of this study are both to characterize the complications of reconstructive procedures and to identify risk factors that may contribute to these complications.

Patients and methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted among 61 nonambulatory children (93 hips) with cerebral palsy who underwent a femoral varus derotation osteotomy, with or without an open reduction and/or pelvic osteotomy, from 1992 through 2008 at our institution. The average patient age was 8.1 years (2.6–14.7) and the mean follow-up time was 5.9 years (2.1–15.9).

Results

The cumulative complication rate per patient including failures to cure was 47.6 %. Spica casting was found to be a risk factor for all complications (P = 0.023); whereas patients younger than 6 years old (P = 0.013) and children with a tracheostomy (P = 0.004) were found to be risk factors for resubluxation following surgery.

Conclusions

Although reported complication rates of hip reconstructive procedures performed upon children with cerebral palsy have varied considerably, those with more severe disease have experienced more complications. We report our tertiary referral center’s complication rate and our institutional experiences with risk factors for complications and failures to cure.

Level of evidence

IV, Retrospective case series.     

Short-term results of musculotendinous release for paralytic hip subluxation in children with spastic cerebral palsy

INTRODUCTION

Children with paralytic hip subluxation secondary to spastic cerebral palsy were treated with a standard protocol that depended on early detection of the subluxation using clinical examination detecting limited range of hip abduction of ≤ 30° and anteroposterior pelvis radiographs detecting subluxation ≥ 33% migration as indications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients underwent open adductor longus, proximal gracilis and proximal rectus femoris myotomy, and iliopsoas lengthening with immediate postoperative immobilisation in abduction bar for 3 weeks followed by physiotherapy. The protocol was applied to 50 children with a mean age of 3.6 years with 100 hips surgically corrected. Of these hips initially, 52% were mildly subluxated with ≤ 33% migration, 42% were moderately subluxated with > 33–66% migration, and 6% were severely subluxated with > 66% migration.

RESULTS

At a final postoperative follow-up of at least 24 months, 22% of these hips were classified as excellent with full containment and no migration, 54% were good with < 20% migration, and 24% were fair with 20–25% migration. No poor result with > 25% migration was obtained. No child developed an abduction contracture or wide-based gait that required treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Early detection and application of this treatment algorithm for children with spastic hip disease should have satisfactory outcomes. Longer follow-up will be required to determine how many children will need bony reconstruction to maintain stable containment of hips at maturity.     

Hip surveillance and management of the displaced hip in cerebral palsy

Introduction

This article provides an overview of the management of a displaced hip in children with cerebral palsy and considers surveillance programmes, principles of surgical reconstruction and options for the salvage of an unreconstructable hip in these children.

Conclusion

Hip dislocation in CP is potentially preventable if children are included from an early age in a surveillance programme that includes repeat radiographic and clinical examinations, and preventive treatment for hips that are displacing. A surveillance programme should be based on the child’s age, GMFCS level and migration percentage (MP), and surgical prevention may be considered in children with a MP exceeding 33 %.     

The prognostic value of the head-shaft angle on hip displacement in children with cerebral palsy

BackgroundHip displacement is the second most common deformity in cerebral palsy (CP). The risk for hip displacement is related to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Recently, the head-shaft angle (HSA) has been identified as a predictor for hip displacement and the aim of this study is to assess the predictive value of the HSA for hip displacement in CP.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort, we performed radiological measurements in 50 children on both hips. In children with GMFCS level II (30 hips), III (30 hips), IV (20 hips) and V (20 hips), we measured the HSA and migration percentage (MP) in three age intervals: age two years (T1), age four years (T2) and age seven years (T3).ResultsAt T1, the HSA was larger (more valgus) in hips that will displace than in hips that will not displace (174° vs. 166°; p = 0.001) and was also larger in higher GMFCS levels (IV–V vs. II–III) (172° vs. 165°; p < 0.001). At T1, GMFCS [odds ratio (OR) 14.7; p = 0.001] and HSA (OR 1.102; p = 0.043) were predictors for hip displacement at T3, but at T2, MP (OR 1.071; p = 0.010) was the only predictor for hip displacement at T3.ConclusionsThe HSA at two years is larger in hips that will displace and larger in children with higher GMFCS levels (IV–V). At age two years, GMFCS and HSA are valuable predictors for hip displacement, but at the age of four years, only MP should be used in the prediction of hip displacement.

Level of evidence

Prognostic study, level II.     

痉挛型脑瘫儿童粗大运动功能分级与髋腰发育的关系

目的:探讨痉挛型脑瘫患儿粗大运动功能分级(gross motor function classification system,GMFCS)与髋关节、腰椎发育的关系。方法:回顾性分析2018年1月至2021年7月收治的125例痉挛型脑瘫患儿,男85例,女40例,年龄4~12(8.4±2.9)岁。依据GMFCS分为Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ级组。其中Ⅰ级组27例,Ⅱ级组40例,Ⅲ级组35例,Ⅳ级组23例。通过骨盆正位X线片,测量股骨头偏移百分比(migration percentage,MP)、中心边缘角(central edge angle,CE),颈干角(neck-shaft angle,NSA)、髋臼指数(acetabular index,AI),并选取其严重侧髋关节参数值分析,评价不同GMFCS分级与髋关节发育的关系。通过腰椎侧位X线片,测量腰椎矢状位Cobb角、腰骶角、腰椎前凸指数、弓顶距,评价不同GMFCS分级与腰椎发育的关系。结果:(1)119例痉挛型脑瘫患儿的骨盆正位X线片符合测量标准。Ⅰ-Ⅳ级4组MP分别为(22.72±3.88)、(26.53±4.36)、(33.84±4.99)、(49.54±7.87)%,两两比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);4组CE分别为(30.10±6.99)°、(22.92±4.19)°、(17.91±5.50)°、(-0.70±17.33)°,两两比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);4组AI分别为(16.41±2.77)°、(20.46±4.63)°、(23.76±5.10)°、(29.15±7.35)°,两两比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);且GMFCS分级越高,MP和AI越大,CE越小。Ⅰ-Ⅳ级4组NSA分别为(142.74±10.03)°、(148.66±9.09)°、(151.66±10.52)°、(153.70±8.05)°,GMFCSⅠ级组与其余3组两两比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),GMFCSⅠ级组NSA明显低于其他3组,其余组间两两比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。(2)88例痉挛型患儿的腰椎侧位X线片符合测量标准。Ⅰ-Ⅳ级4组腰椎矢状位Cobb角分别为(32.62±11.10)°、(29.86±9.90)°、(31.70±11.84)°、(39.69±6.80)°,GMFCSⅣ级腰椎矢状位Cobb角明显高于其余3组,两两比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。其余各组间两两比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);4组腰骶角分别为(31.02±9.91)°、(26.57±9.41)°、(28.08±8.56)°、(27.31±11.50)°,两两比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);4组腰椎前凸指数分别为(4.14±12.89)、(8.83±13.53)、(13.00±11.78)、(10.76±9.97)mm,两两比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);4组弓顶距分别为(9.50±6.80)、(6.68±3.20)、(7.16±4.94)、(6.62±4.13)mm,两两比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:(1)GMFCSⅠ-Ⅳ级患儿中,GMFCS分级越高,髋关节发育越差。(2)GMFCSⅢ-Ⅳ级患儿可能有更大风险出现腰椎前凸畸形。     

The impact of asymmetry on the radiographical outcomes following hip reconstruction in patients with cerebral palsy

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of asymmetric hip dysplasia on the outcome of hip reconstruction in patients with cerebral palsy according to preoperative migration percentage (MP).Methods:This study was institutional review board-approved for retrospective cohort review. From 2008 to 2018, 65 patients met inclusion criteria: Gross Motor Function Scale Classification (GMFSC) III to V with spastic hips (MP > 30%) who underwent bilateral hip reconstruction, with a follow-up > 24 months. Main exclusion criteria: children with associated syndromes or chromosomal disorders. The cohort was subdivided into three groups according to preoperative MP difference between hips: Group A > 50%, group B 20% to 50% and Group C < 20%. Subsequently, the groups were analyzed individually and then compared. The asymmetry of extended abduction of the hip was also evaluated and separated into three groups: no asymmetry (< 20° difference), mild asymmetry (20° to 50° difference) and severe (> 50° difference).Results:In total, 65 patients underwent bilateral bony reconstructive surgery (130 hips). Mean age at surgery was 10.1 years (sd 3.6; 3.6 to 18.4). Mean age at follow-up was 14.7 years (sd 3.8; 8 to 21). Preoperative GMFSC distribution was grade III (four, 6%), IV (15, 23%) and V (46, 71%). In all, 21 symmetric hips (< 20% MP difference) had a preoperative MP difference of 9% and a follow-up MP difference of 18% (p > 0.05); 32 had a preoperative MP difference of 34% and a follow-up MP difference of 16% (p < 0.0001); 12 had a preoperative MP difference of 80% and a follow-up difference of 6% (p < 0.0001). According to pre- and postoperative abduction values, the mean high hip abduction preoperatively was 34° (sd 17°), whereas low hip abduction was 23° (sd 17°).Conclusion:Hips with asymmetrical dysplasia and/or abduction undergoing bilateral reconstructive surgery focused on symmetric abduction, and corrected dysplasia in patients with cerebral palsy has improved symmetry in hip abduction and MP. Obtaining this goal immediately postoperatively is maintained to medium-term follow-up.Level of Evidence:IV     

Pes planovalgus deformity surgical correction in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy

Purpose

Planovalgus foot deformity is common in diplegic and quadriplegic patients. Surgery is the definitive treatment to restore the alignment of the talus, calcaneus, and navicular bones. We aimed, in the current study, to compare the effectiveness of subtalar fusion and calcaneal lengthening, and to assess the recurrence in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 78 patients (138 feet diagnosed with planovalgus deformity) who underwent surgical correction using subtalar fusion or calcaneal lengthening. Range of motion, radiographic indices, kinematic, and pedobarographic data were used to examine the deformity and the outcome of surgery. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the study hypothesis.

Results

Most of the patients were diplegic (87.2 %) and the mean age at surgery was 11.9 ± 2.9 years (range from 4.7 to 18.3 years), with a mean follow-up of 5 ± 4.4 years (range from 1 to 15.4 years). Sixty-three feet were treated with calcaneal lengthening, while 75 were treated with subtalar fusion. The feet treated with subtalar fusion were more severe preoperatively. However, both surgery groups showed improvement postoperatively. Among 12 cases of recurrence, medial column fusion was the main surgery performed to correct the deformity.

Conclusions

Surgery is effective in the treatment of planovalgus deformity in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy. Severe and rigid planovalgus feet can be treated effectively with subtalar fusion. Feet with milder deformity show good results, with calcaneal lengthening. Surgery provides good correction in young patients, but there is a higher recurrence rate.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11832-012-0413-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Percutaneous pelvic osteotomy in cerebral palsy patients: Surgical technique and indications

AIM: To describe the surgical technique of and indications for percutaneous pelvic osteotomy in patients with severe cerebral palsy.METHODS: Twenty-one non-ambulatory children and adolescents (22 hips) were consecutively treated with percutaneous pelvic osteotomy, which was used in conjunction with varus, derotational, shortening femoral osteotomy and soft tissue release, to correct progressive hip subluxation and acetabular dysplasia. The age, gender, Gross Motor Function Classification System level, side(s) of operated hip, total time of follow-up, immediate post-operative immobilization, complications, and the need for revision surgery were recorded for all patients.RESULTS: Seventeen patients (81%) were classified as GMFCS level IV, and 4 (19%) patients were classified as GMFCS level V. At the time of surgery, the mean age was 10.3 years (range: 4-15 years). The mean Reimers’ migration percentage improved from 63% (range: 3%-100%) pre-operatively to 6.5% (range: 0%-70%) at the final follow-up (P < 0.05). The mean acetabular angle (AA) improved from 34.1° (range: 19°-50°) pre-operatively to 14.1° (range: 5°-27°) (P < 0.05). Surgical correction of MP and AA was comparable in hips with open (n = 14) or closed (n = 8) triradiate cartilage (P < 0.05). All operated hips were pain-free at the time of the final follow-up visit, although one patient had pain for 6 mo after surgery. We did not observe any cases of bone graft dislodgement or avascular necrosis of the femoral head.CONCLUSION: Pelvic osteotomy through a less invasive surgical approach appears to be a valid alternative with similar outcomes to those of standard techniques. This method allows for less muscle stripping and blood loss and a shorter operating time.     

Efficacy of antifibrinolytics in reducing blood loss during hip reconstruction surgery in cerebral palsy children. A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundCerebral palsy (CP) children undergoing hip reconstruction are more prone to blood loss during surgery due to poor nutritional status, antiepileptic medication intake, depletion of clotting factors, and the extent of surgery involved. We conducted this present review to analyze whether antifibrinolytics during hip surgery in CP children would reduce surgical blood loss and transfusion requirements.MethodsThree databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library) were searched independently for publications mentioning the use of antifibrinolytics during hip reconstruction surgery in CP children. The primary outcome was to compare the surgical blood loss with and without antifibrinolytics use. Secondary outcomes were transfusion requirements, drop in hemoglobin level, length of hospital stay, and complication rates.ResultsAll five studies (reporting 478 patients) published on this topic were found eligible based on inclusion criteria and were included for final analysis. Primary outcome: In three of the included studies, antifibrinolytics use resulted in a significant reduction in total blood loss with a mean difference (MD) of −151.05 mL (95% CI -272.30 to −29.80, p = 0.01). In the other two studies although statistically not significant, antifibrinolytics use reduces estimated blood loss (MD: 3.27, 95% CI -21.44 to 14.91, p = 0.72). Secondary outcomes: We observed that in the antifibrinolytics group, there was a reduction in total blood transfusion requirements (OD: 0.70, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.37, p = 0.29), and a drop in haemoglobin level (MD: 0.16, 95% CI -0.62 to 0.30, p = 0.49) but statistically not significant. No adverse effects related directly to antifibrinolytics were noticed in all five studies.ConclusionOnly two out of five included studies favored the use of antifibrinolytics in CP children undergoing hip reconstruction. The evidence synthesized on this meta-analysis is also not sufficient enough to support its routine use in this cohort of children for hip reconstruction surgery. High-quality studies with adequate sample size to determine the effective and safe dosage, timing, and cost involved of different antifibrinolytics are the need of the hour.Level of evidenceⅢ     

Treatment of femur fractures in children with cerebral palsy

Purpose  Children with cerebral palsy may have low bone density stemming from various etiologies and are, thereby, at risk for fractures. The treatment of femur fractures in children with cerebral palsy may need to be tailored to address the management of spastic muscle tone and multiple medical co-morbidities. Methods  Our study is a retrospective review that evaluates the treatment of 47 femur fractures in children with cerebral palsy in both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients. Results  Thirty-two fractures in non-ambulators were treated non-operatively, 11 of which resulted in malunions and five developed pressure sores. Six fractures in non-ambulators were treated operatively, one of which resulted in a malunion. In ambulators, five fractures were treated non-operatively; one of these fractures lost reduction after 2 weeks and required surgical intervention. One of four fractures in ambulators treated operatively developed a malunion. Conclusion  Our study results suggest that femur fractures in children with cerebral palsy can be treated non-operatively; however, because of the high risk of malunion in this patient population, fracture alignment needs to be followed closely during healing. Careful attention during casting is necessary to prevent pressure sores. Strong consideration should be given to initial operative treatment in ambulatory patients in order to preserve function.     

Analysis of hip dysplasia and spinopelvic alignment in cerebral palsy

Background contextKnowledge of sagittal spinopelvic parameters and hip dysplasia is important in cerebral palsy (CP) patients because these parameters differ from those found in the general population and can be related to symptoms.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to analyze sagittal spinopelvic alignment and determine its relation to hip dysplasia in CP patients.Study designRadiological analysis was conducted on patients with CP.Patient sampleFifty-four patients with CP and 24 normal controls were included in this study.Outcome measuresParticipants underwent radiographs of the whole spine.MethodsThe patient and control groups comprised 54 CP patients and 24 volunteers, respectively. All underwent lateral radiography of the whole spine and hip joint anteroposterior radiography. The radiographic parameters examined were sacral slope, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, S1 overhang, thoracic kyphosis, thoracolumbar kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, sagittal balance, center edge angle, acetabular angle, and migration index. Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant differences and correlations between the two groups.ResultsSacral slope, thoracolumbar kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, sagittal balance, acetabular angle, and migration index were significantly higher in CP patients, whereas pelvic tilt, S1 overhang, and center edge angle were significantly lower (p<.05). Correlation analysis revealed that pelvic incidence, sacral slope, pelvic tilt, and S1 overhang were related to each other and that thoracolumbar kyphosis was related to the thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis (p<.05). For spinal and pelvic parameters, lumbar lordosis was related to sacral slope, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, and S1 overhang; for hip dysplasia parameters, center edge angle and acetabular angle were found to be interrelated (p<.05). Regarding symptoms, pelvic tilt, S1 overhang, and thoracolumbar kyphosis were found to be correlated with symptom severity in patients. However, no hip dysplasia parameters were found to be related to hip or spinal symptoms.ConclusionsThis study found significant differences between CP patients and normal controls in terms of spinopelvic alignment and hip dysplasia. Furthermore, relationships were found between the sagittal spinopelvic parameters and hip dysplasia, and correlations were found between sagittal spinopelvic parameters and pain.     

Operative treatment for spinal deformities in cerebral palsy

The higher the functional impairment, the more likely patients with cerebral palsy (cP) are to develop a scoliotic deformity. This is usually long-sweeping, C-shaped, and progressive in nature, since the causes of the deformity, such as muscular weakness, imbalance, and osteoporosis, persist through adulthood. In contrast to idiopathic scoliosis, not only is the spine deformed, the patient is also sick. This multimorbidity warrants a multidisciplinary approach with close involvement of the caregivers from the beginning. Brace treatment is usually ineffective or intolerable in light of the mostly stiff and severe deformities and the poor nutritional status. The pros and cons of surgical correction need to weighed up when pelvic obliquity, subsequent loss of sitting balance, pressure sores, and pain due to impingement of the rib cage on the ileum become issues. General risks of, for example, pulmonary or urogenital infections, pulmonary failure, the need for a tracheostoma, permanent home ventilation, and death add to the particular surgery-related hazards, such as excessive bleeding, surgical site infections, pseudarthrosis, implant failure, and dural tears with leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. The overall complication rate averages around 25 %. From an orthopedic perspective, stiffness, marked deformities including sagittal profile disturbances and pelvic obliquity, as well as osteoporosis are the main challenges. In nonambulatory patients, long fusions from T2/T3 with forces distributed over all segments, low-profile anchors in areas of poor soft tissue coverage (sublaminar bands, wires), and strong lumbosacropelvic modern screw fixation in combination with meticulous fusion techniques (facetectomies, laminar decortication, use of local autologous bone) and hemostasis can be employed to keep the rate of surgical and implant-related complications at an acceptably low level. Excessive posterior release techniques, osteotomies, or even vertebrectomies in cases of very severe short-angled deformity mostly prevent anterior one- or two-stage releases. Despite improved operative techniques and implants with predictable and satisfactory deformity corrections, the comorbidities and quality-of-life related issues demand a thorough preoperative, multidisciplinary decision-making process that takes ethical and economic aspects into consideration.