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Pandey RA, Johari AN, Shetty T. Crouch Gait in Cerebral Palsy: Current Concepts Review. Indian J Orthop 2023; 57:1913-1926. [PMID: 38009172 PMCID: PMC10673808 DOI: 10.1007/s43465-023-01002-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objective Crouch gait is the most common pathological gait pattern in cerebral palsy and is commonly seen in patients with spastic diplegia. It is characterized by excessive knee flexion throughout the stance phase of gait cycle. The aim of this review is to discuss the current literature about CG for a more comprehensive understanding. Methods A literature review about various aspects of crouch gait in cerebral palsy was undertaken. This included its etiology and pathophysiology, biomechanics in crouch gait, natural history of untreated crouch gait, clinical and radiological evaluation and different modalities of available treatment. Results The etiology is multifactorial and the pathophysiology is poorly understood. This makes its management challenging, thereby leading to a variety of available treatment modalities. Inadvertent lengthening of muscle-tendon units is an important cause and can be avoided. A meticulous clinical and radiological evaluation of patients, supplemented by observational and instrumented gait analysis is mandatory in choosing correct treatment modality and improving the treatment outcome. Younger children can be managed satisfactorily by various non-operative methods and spasticity reduction measures. However, crouch gait in cerebral palsy has a progressive natural history and surgical interventions are needed frequently. The current literature supports combination of various soft tissue and bony procedures as a part of single event multilevel surgery. Growth modulation in the form of anterior distal femur hemiepiphysiodesis for correction of fixed flexion deformity of knee has shown encouraging results and can be an alternative in younger children with sufficient growth remaining. Conclusions In spite of extensive research in this field, the current understanding about crouch gait has many knowledge gaps. Further studies about the etiopathogenesis and biomechanics of crouch using instrumented gait analysis are suggested. Similarly, future research should focus on the long term outcomes of different treatment modalities through comparative trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Arvind Pandey
- Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Phulwari Sharif, Aurangabad Road, Patna, Bihar 801507 India
| | - Ashok N. Johari
- Children’s Orthopaedic Centre, 2nd Floor, Bobby Apartments, 143 L.J. Road, Mahim (West), Mumbai, 400016 India
| | - Triveni Shetty
- MGM School of Physiotherapy, MGM Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai, 410209 India
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Do P, Feng J, Sussman MD. Long-term outcome of hamstring lengthening versus transfer and the role of biceps femoris lengthening in patients with spastic diplegia and dynamic knee flexion in gait. J Child Orthop 2022; 16:429-441. [PMID: 36483639 PMCID: PMC9723870 DOI: 10.1177/18632521221128593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthopedic treatment of flexed-knee gait consists of hamstring lengthening along with surgery at other levels. Transfer of the semitendinosus (hamstring transfer) was introduced to avoid increase of anterior pelvic tilt as well as reduce risk of recurrence. METHODS We retrospectively assessed children with spastic cerebral palsy and flexed-knee gait pre-operatively, 1 year post-operatively, and at a minimum of 7 years post-operatively. RESULTS The 39 patients were a mean 9.4 ± 3.4 years at the time of surgery, 20 subjects underwent hamstring transfer, and 19 subjects had hamstring lengthening with mean follow-up 9.1 years. Passive range of motion improved initially, but regressed at long term. Dynamic minimum knee flexion in stance decreased in both groups at the first post-operative study, and was maintained at final follow-up in 64-67% of patients. There was a small increase in anterior pelvic tilt at the 1-year follow-up which subsequently decreased to less than pre-operative in the hamstring lengthening group but remained mildly increased (5°) in the hamstring transfer group at final follow-up. Success in correcting stance knee flexion of the entire group was 69% of the Gross Motor Function Classification System grades I and II and 60% of the Gross Motor Function Classification System grade III subjects. Gait profile Score and sagittal knee Gait Variable Score both showed clinically important improvement after surgery and was mostly maintained long term for both groups. Lateral hamstring lengthening was beneficial in more severe patients, with minimal risk of adverse effects. CONCLUSION Hamstring surgery as part of single event multi-level surgery (SEMLS) is effective in correcting flexed-knee gait in 60%-70% of patients with minimal effect on anterior pelvic tilt. There was no added advantage to hamstring transfer. Biceps Femoris lengthening may be beneficial and without significant additional risk. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Do
- Motion Analysis Center, Shriners Children’s Portland, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jing Feng
- Motion Analysis Center, Shriners Children’s Portland, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Michael D Sussman
- Shriners Children’s Portland, Portland, OR, USA,Michael D Sussman, Shriners Children’s Portland, 3101 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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Rutz E, Novacheck TF, Dreher T, Davids JR, McCarthy J, Kay RM, Shore BJ, Shrader MW, Veerkamp M, Chambers H, Narayanan U, Pierz K, Rhodes J, Shilt J, Theologis T, Van Campenhout A, Graham K. Distal femoral extension osteotomy and patellar tendon advancement or shortening in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy: A modified Delphi consensus study and literature review. J Child Orthop 2022; 16:442-453. [PMID: 36483640 PMCID: PMC9723875 DOI: 10.1177/18632521221137391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In children with cerebral palsy, flexion deformities of the knee can be treated with a distal femoral extension osteotomy combined with either patellar tendon advancement or patellar tendon shortening. The purpose of this study was to establish a consensus through expert orthopedic opinion, using a modified Delphi process to describe the surgical indications for distal femoral extension osteotomy and patellar tendon advancement/patellar tendon shortening. A literature review was also conducted to summarize the recent literature on distal femoral extension osteotomy and patellar tendon shortening/patellar tendon advancement. METHOD A group of 16 pediatric orthopedic surgeons, with more than 10 years of experience in the surgical management of children with cerebral palsy, was established. The group used a 5-level Likert-type scale to record agreement or disagreement with statements regarding distal femoral extension osteotomy and patellar tendon advancement/patellar tendon shortening. Consensus for the surgical indications for distal femoral extension osteotomy and patellar tendon advancement/patellar tendon shortening was achieved through a modified Delphi process. The literature review, summarized studies of clinical outcomes of distal femoral extension osteotomy/patellar tendon shortening/patellar tendon advancement, published between 2008 and 2022. RESULTS There was a high level of agreement with consensus for 31 out of 44 (70%) statements on distal femoral extension osteotomy. Agreement was lower for patellar tendon advancement/patellar tendon shortening with consensus reached for 8 of 21 (38%) of statements. The literature review included 25 studies which revealed variation in operative technique for distal femoral extension osteotomy, patellar tendon advancement, and patellar tendon shortening. Distal femoral extension osteotomy and patellar tendon advancement/patellar tendon shortening were generally effective in correcting knee flexion deformities and extensor lag, but there was marked variation in outcomes and complication rates. CONCLUSION The results from this study will provide guidelines for surgeons who care for children with cerebral palsy and point to unresolved questions for further research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE level V.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erich Rutz
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia,Erich Rutz, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Bob Dickens Chair Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Tom F Novacheck
- Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | | | - Jon R Davids
- Shriners Hospitals for Children-Northern California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - James McCarthy
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Robert M Kay
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - M Wade Shrader
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Matthew Veerkamp
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kerr Graham
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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