Single-event multilevel surgery in children with spastic diplegia: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Does patella lowering as part of multilevel surgery improve knee kinematics in children with cerebral palsy and crouch gait? A meta-analysis of comparative studies

Purpose

To evaluate differences in knee kinematic outcomes of patellar-lowering surgery, specifically patellar tendon advancement or patellar tendon shortening, compared with no-patellar-lowering surgery in multilevel surgery for children with cerebral palsy and crouch gait.

Methods

Four databases were searched to retrieve studies published from inception until 2023. Three reviewers independently screened for studies with observational or randomized control designs, comparing two groups of patients with cerebral palsy and crouch gait who underwent multilevel surgery (with patellar-lowering surgery versus no-patellar-lowering surgery), where various gait analysis outcomes were reported (CRD42023450692). The risk of bias was assessed with the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool.

Results

Seven studies (249 patients and 368 limbs) met the eligibility criteria. Patients undergoing patellar-lowering surgery demonstrated statistically significant improvements in knee flexion at initial contact (mean difference = -6.39; 95% confidence interval = [-10.4, -2.75]; p = 0.0006; I2 = 84%), minimum knee flexion in stance (mean difference = -14.27; 95% confidence interval = [-18.31, -10.23]; p < 0.00001; I2 = 89%), and clinical knee flexion contracture (mean difference = -5.6; 95% confidence interval = [-9.59, -1.6]; p = 0.006; I2 = 95%), with a significant increase in anterior pelvic tilt (mean difference = 2.97; 95% confidence interval = [0.58, 5.36]; p = 0.01; I2 = 15%). However, improvements in gait deviation index and decrease in peak knee flexion in swing did not reach statistical significance. Subgroup analysis reduced heterogeneity and revealed (1) greater improvement using patellar tendon shortening versus patellar tendon advancement techniques; (2) lack of knee flexion contracture improvement in high-quality or longer-term studies; (3) longer-term improvement only in minimum knee flexion in stance, with a decrease in peak knee flexion in swing; and (4) an inability to assess the potential benefit of rectus femoris procedure and hamstring preservation.

Conclusions

Overall, the combination of patellar-lowering surgery with multilevel surgery demonstrated superior improvements in stance-phase knee kinematics compared with multilevel surgery alone, despite an increase in anterior pelvic tilt and a longer-term knee flexion reduction during the swing phase.

Level of evidence

Level III, Systematic review of level III studies.

Improving health-related quality of life in middle-age children with cerebral palsy following selective percutaneous myofascial lengthening and functional physiotherapy

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) experience decreased health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study aimed to assess the HRQOL of children with CP before versus after a combined program of minimally invasive selective percutaneous myofascial lengthening (SPML) and functional physiotherapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A single-group pre-posttest design was used. Twenty-six middle childhood children with spastic CP, aged 5-7 years, with Gross Motor Function Classification System levels II-IV underwent SPML surgery and 9 months of postoperative functional strength training therapy. The proxy version of the DISABKIDS-Smiley questionnaire was completed by one parent of each child. Dependent t-tests were used to compare mean pre- and post-measurement scores.

RESULTS

After the 9-month intervention, the children with CP had significantly higher quality of life scores (mean difference, 11.06±9.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.40-14.71; p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that children with CP had better HRQOL after a combined program of minimally invasive SPML surgery and functional physiotherapy (ACTRN12618001535268).

Improving health-related quality of life in middle-age children with cerebral palsy following selective percutaneous myofascial lengthening and functional physiotherapy

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) experience decreased health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study aimed to assess the HRQOL of children with CP before versus after a combined program of minimally invasive selective percutaneous myofascial lengthening (SPML) and functional physiotherapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A single-group pre-posttest design was used. Twenty-six middle childhood children with spastic CP, aged 5-7 years, with Gross Motor Function Classification System levels II-IV underwent SPML surgery and 9 months of postoperative functional strength training therapy. The proxy version of the DISABKIDS-Smiley questionnaire was completed by one parent of each child. Dependent t-tests were used to compare mean pre- and post-measurement scores.

RESULTS

After the 9-month intervention, the children with CP had significantly higher quality of life scores (mean difference, 11.06 ± 9.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.40-14.71; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that children with CP had better HRQOL after a combined program of minimally invasive SPML surgery and functional physiotherapy (ACTRN12618001535268).

Conventional versus locked plates for hip dislocation in cerebral palsy: a matched cohort analysis

PURPOSE

Bone quality of non-ambulatory patients with cerebral palsy (CP) is a matter of concern for proximal femoral varus derotational osteotomies (VDRO). Locking plates (LCP) have been designed to compensate this biological downfall. Little data exist comparing the LCP with the conventional femoral blade plate.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 32 patients submitted to VDRO (40 hips), operated with blade plates or LCP. Groups were matched, and the minimal follow-up was 36 months. Clinical (age at surgery, sex, GMFCS class, CP patterns) and radiological characteristics (neck shaft angle [NSA], acetabular index [AI], Reimers migration index [MP] and time until bone healing), as well as postoperative complications and the cost of treatment, were evaluated.

RESULTS

Preoperative clinical characteristics and radiographic measurements were comparable, except for a higher AI in the BP group (p < 0.01). Mean follow-up was longer in the LCP group (57.35 vs 34.6 months). Mean NSA, AI and MP had comparable correction with surgery (p < 0.01). At final follow-up, dislocation recurrence speed was higher in BP group although not statistically significant (0.56% vs 0.35%/month; p = 0.29). The complication rate was similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Finally, the cost of the treatment was 62% higher in the LCP group (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our cohorts showed LCP or BP equivalence clinically and radiographically in mid-term follow-up, with the former increasing the cost of treatment by a mean of 62%. This may raise a question on the real necessity of locked implants for these operations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-Retrospective comparative study.

Clinical functional outcome measures for children with cerebral palsy after gait corrective orthopaedic surgery: A scoping review

AIM

To identify the most frequently reported non-instrumented measures of gait, activity, and participation in children with cerebral palsy (CP) after undergoing gait corrective orthopaedic surgery.

METHOD

Four databases were searched from database inception to the 9th December 2021 for studies that evaluated functional outcomes for children with CP under 18 years undergoing gait corrective orthopaedic surgery.

RESULTS

Of 547 citations, 44 publications (n = 3535 participants, n = 1789 males, mean age 10 years 5 months [SD = 3 years 3 months], Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I-III at the time of surgery) were eligible for inclusion. Fourteen different outcome measures were used: one measure of gait, 10 measures of activity, and three measures of participation. Gait was measured with the Edinburgh Visual Gait Scale (EVGS; 4 out of 44). The most common activity and participation measures were the Functional Mobility Scale (FMS; 15 out of 44) and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (11 out of 44) respectively. No studies reported a combination of gait, activity, and participation measures.

INTERPRETATION

The EVGS and FMS should be considered as core outcome measures in gait corrective orthopaedic surgery, while a measure of participation is unclear. Additional considerations for developing a comprehensive suite of outcomes include identifying a combination of clinical measures and performance-reflective questionnaires that are standardized for children with CP undergoing surgery and meaningful to clinicians and families.

Single-Event Multi-Level Surgery in Cerebral Palsy: A Bibliometric Analysis

Background and Objectives: Single-Event Multi-Level Surgery (SEMLS) is a complex surgical programme in which soft tissue contractures and bony torsional deformities at the ankle, knee and hip, in both lower limbs are surgically corrected during a single operative session, requiring one hospital admission and one period of rehabilitation. The aim of SEMLS is to improve gait and function in ambulant children with cerebral palsy. Utilisation of the SEMLS concept can reduce the number of surgical events, hospital inpatient stays and reduce rehabilitation requirements to a single intensive episode. Three-dimensional gait analysis is a pre-requisite to plan intervention at multiple anatomic levels to correct fixed deformities and to improve gait and function. Materials and Methods: This study was a bibliometric analysis of SEMLS in cerebral palsy using the Clarivate Web of Science Core Collection database from 1900 to 29 May 2023. Results: A total of 84 studies met the inclusion criteria. The most highly cited article was "Correction of severe crouch gait in patients with spastic diplegia with use of multilevel orthopaedic surgery" by Rodda et al. (2006) with 141 citations. The most productive institutions by number of articles were the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne (Australia), Murdoch Children's Research Institute (Australia) and University of Melbourne (Australia). The most productive author by number of citations was HK Graham (Australia). Conclusions: The literature base for SEMLS consists largely of retrospective cohort studies. The aforementioned three institutes in Melbourne, Australia, which frequently collaborate together, have contributed the greatest number of studies in this field.

Outpatient hospital utilization after single event multi-level surgery in children with cerebral palsy

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine outpatient hospital utilization (number of specialties seen and number of visits to each specialty) in the year after single event multi-level surgery (SEMLS) in children with cerebral palsy (CP), and to determine if utilization differs across the medical center in the year after compared to the year before SEMLS.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study used electronic medical record data of outpatient hospital utilization in children with CP who underwent SEMLS.

RESULTS

Thirty children with CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System Levels I-V, mean age of 9.9 years) were included. In the year after surgery, a significant difference (p = 0.001) was found for the number of specialties seen, with non-ambulatory children seeing more specialties than ambulatory children. No statistically significant difference was found between the number of outpatient visits to each specialty in the year after SEMLS. Compared to the year before SEMLS, fewer therapy visits occurred in the year after SEMLS (p <  0.001) but significantly more visits to orthopaedics (p = 0.001) and radiology (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Children with CP had fewer therapy visits but more orthopaedic and radiology visits the year after SEMLS. Nearly half of the children were non-ambulatory. Examination of care needs in children with CP undergoing SEMLS is justified with consideration of ambulatory status, surgical burden, and post-operative immobilization.

Changes in the Status of Spastic Diplegic Children in Terms of Gross Motor Function Classification System and Functional Mobility Scale Following Surgical Intervention: A Single Centre Experience

Introduction Most centers in low- to mid-income countries (LMICs) lack facilities for a comprehensive instrumented gait analysis (IGA) which is often considered the preferred method for assessment of the functional results of surgery in children with spastic diplegia. We aimed to study if there were any changes in the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels and Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) scores after surgery and whether they can be used as an indirect indicator of change in the functional status of a child. Methods This prospective study was conducted at the Pediatric Orthopedic unit of a teaching hospital on spastic diplegic children requiring surgical intervention. GMFCS levels and FMS scores were recorded before the surgery and at each follow-up visit, with the latest record being two years post-surgery. The change in the scores was indicated as an improvement, deterioration, or no change from the baseline and compared to the score of the preceding visit. In addition, it was examined whether the age at surgery had any effect on the temporal change in the scores. Results A total of 25 children were included for analysis after excluding those who failed to fulfill the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Both the GMFCS levels and FMS scores improved from the third month to one-year post-surgery, after which a few patients had a worsening of their scores at the two years follow-up visit. The age at which surgery was performed had no significant effect on the pattern of change in the scores. Most children sought consultations with the physical therapy department only when they visited the surgical team for follow-up. Conclusion This study shows that surgical interventions do improve the functional outcomes in children with spastic CP when assessed using FMS scores while maintaining an undeteriorated GMFCS level in most children. While a peak improvement can be expected one year after surgery in most patients, possible of worsening from baseline scores do exist, and the parents must be informed of the same. Any decision for surgery must involve the parents, and the usefulness of postoperative physical therapy must be impressed upon them before the surgery and during each follow-up visit too.

Foot drop after gastrocsoleus lengthening for equinus deformity in children with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND

Gastrocsoleus lengthening (GSL) is the most common surgical procedure to treat equinus deformity in ambulant children with cerebral palsy (CP). Foot drop, where the ankle remains in plantarflexion during swing phase, can persist in some children post-operatively. There is currently limited understanding of which children will demonstrate persistent foot drop after GSL.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Which children develop persistent foot drop after GSL surgery for equinus?

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study on ambulant children with CP who had GSL surgery for fixed equinus deformity. The aims of the study were: to determine the frequency of persistent foot drop post-operatively and to compare outcome parameters from physical examination and three-dimensional gait analysis for children with hemiplegia or diplegia.

RESULTS

One hundred and ten children functioning at GMFCS Levels I/II/III of 28/75/7 met the inclusion criteria for this study. There were 71 boys and mean age was 9.1 years at time of GSL surgery. The overall frequency of persistent foot drop was 25%, with a higher frequency of persistent foot drop in children with hemiplegia (42%) than children with diplegia (19%). There were significant improvements in dorsiflexor strength and in selective motor control in children with diplegia but not in children with hemiplegia. Mean (SD) pre-operative mid-swing ankle dorsiflexion for children with hemiplegia was - 14.0° (9.9°) and improved post-operatively to - 1.6° (5.5°). For children with diplegia, the pre-operative mid-swing ankle dorsiflexion was - 12.1° (12.9°) and improved post-operatively to + 4.2° (6.9°).

SIGNIFICANCE

Foot drop is present following GSL surgery for fixed equinus deformity in a significant number of children with hemiplegia and to a lesser extent in children with diplegia, which may reflect a difference in the central nervous system lesion between these groups. New management approaches are required for this important and unsolved problem.

Factors Associated With Short-Term Recovery Following Single-Event Multilevel Surgery for Children With Cerebral Palsy

PURPOSE

To examine the role of multiple factors, including therapy dose, on recovery of mobility function during post-single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) rehabilitation in youth with cerebral palsy.

METHODS

Several factors expected to influence postoperative change in Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) were examined: age, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, cognition, number of osteotomies, surgical complications, medical comorbidities, number of therapy sessions, and preoperative measures of gait, balance, and gross motor function.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine youth with cerebral palsy, GMFSC levels I-IV, who had undergone SEMLS and rehabilitation had on average 2.6 osteotomies and 89 postoperative therapy sessions. Fewer osteotomies, higher therapy dose, higher preoperative GMFM, and lower GMFM at postoperative admission were significant in determining GMFM change.

CONCLUSIONS

The most relevant factors on post-SEMLS recovery were therapy dose, surgical burden, and level of gross motor function immediately before and after surgery.

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

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.

Walking activity after multilevel orthopedic surgery in children with cerebral palsy

AIM

To determine how surgical burden and preoperative factors affect the recovery of walking activity after multilevel orthopedic surgery (MLS).

METHOD

In this retrospective study, inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, MLS, and walking activity monitoring using a StepWatch device within 12 months pre-MLS and 24 months post-MLS. The outcome measure was total mean strides per day normalized to age and Gross Motor Function Classification System level. Pre- and postoperative walking activity were compared using unpaired t-tests; the effects of preoperative predictors and surgical burden on the recovery of walking activity were evaluated using regression analysis.

RESULTS

Participants included 178 children (mean age 12 years 10 months [SD 8 years 7 months; range 4-20 years]; 91 males, 87 females). On average, children returned to baseline walking activity 3 months after low-burden surgery and 1 year 2 months after high-burden surgery. Postoperative walking activity was higher for children who had surgery at a younger age and those with a higher preoperative mobility function.

INTERPRETATION

The burden of MLS was found to be inversely related to the time to recovery of postoperative walking activity. These findings provide evidence to help clinicians set expectations for return to function post-MLS. Further study is necessary to investigate the impact of postoperative factors on walking activity recovery.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

High-burden surgeries lead to longer recovery than low-burden surgeries. Younger children recover walking activity faster after multilevel orthopedic surgery. Children with high preoperative mobility function recover walking activity faster after surgery.

Long-term follow-up after multilevel surgery in cerebral palsy

INTRODUCTION

Single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) is frequently used to correct pathological gait patterns in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP) in a single session surgery. However, in-depth long-term evaluation reports of gait outcomes are limited. Therefore, we investigated if SEMLS is able to correct lower extremity joint and pelvic angles during gait towards typically developing gait patterns (TDC) in children with BSCP, and if so, if this effect is durable over a 10-year period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total 13 children with BSCP GMFCS level II at time of index-surgery between the ages of 7.7-18.2 years at the time of SEMLS were retrospectively recruited. Three-dimensional gait data were captured preoperatively, as well as at short-, mid-, and long-term post-operatively, and used to analyze: movement analysis profile (MAP), gait profile score (GPS), and lower extremity joint and pelvic angles over the course of a gait cycle using statistical parametric mapping.

RESULTS

In agreement with previous studies, MAP and GPS improved towards TDCs after surgery, as did knee extension during the stance phase (ɳ² = 0.67; p < 0.001), while knee flexion in the swing phase (ɳ² = 0.67; p < 0.001) and pelvic tilt over the complete gait cycle (ɳ² = 0.36; p < 0.001) deteriorated; no differences were observed between follow-ups. However, further surgical interventions were required in 8 out of 13 of the participants to maintain improvements 10 years post-surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

While the overall gait pattern improved, our results showed specific aspects of the gait cycle actually deteriorated post-SEMLS and that a majority of the participants needed additional surgery, supporting previous statements for the use of multilevel surgery rather than SEMLS. The results highlight that the field should not only focus on the overall gait scores when evaluating treatment outcomes but should offer additional long-term follow-up of lower extremity function.

Causal factors affecting gross motor function in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy

Background

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a complex neuromuscular condition that may negatively influence gross motor function. Children diagnosed with CP often exhibit spasticity, weakness, reduced motor control, contracture, and bony malalignment. Despite many previous association studies, the causal impact of these impairments on motor function is unknown.

Aim

In this study, we proposed a causal model which estimated the effects of common impairments on motor function in children with spastic CP as measured by the 66-item Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66). We estimated both direct and total effect sizes of all included variables using linear regression based on covariate adjustment sets implied by the minimally sufficient adjustment sets. In addition, we estimated bivariate effect sizes of all measures for comparison.

Method

We retrospectively evaluated 300 consecutive subjects with spastic cerebral palsy who underwent routine clinical gait analysis. Model data included standard information collected during this analysis.

Results

The largest causal effect sizes, as measured by standardized regression coefficients, were found for selective voluntary motor control and dynamic motor control, followed by strength, then gait deviations. In contrast, common treatment targets, such as spasticity and orthopedic deformity, had relatively small effects. Effect sizes estimated from bivariate models, which cannot appropriately adjust for other causal factors, substantially overestimated the total effect of spasticity, strength, and orthopedic deformity.

Interpretation

Understanding the effects of impairments on gross motor function will allow clinicians to direct treatments at those impairments with the greatest potential to influence gross motor function and provide realistic expectations of the anticipated changes.

Cost savings for single event multilevel surgery in comparison to sequential surgery in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in billable provider charges between single event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) based on comprehensive gait analysis and a staged surgical approach (SSA) without comprehensive gait analysis for the orthopedic treatment of ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP).

METHODS

The charges associated with nine common orthopedic surgical combinations (both unilateral and bilateral, soft tissue or soft tissue plus bony) for children with CP were determined and compared between SEMLS and SSA. The charges included surgical, anesthesia, operating room, recovery room, hospital stay, physical therapy, and, for SEMLS only, comprehensive computerized gait analysis.

RESULTS

Total charges to complete each combination was higher for SSA than for SEMLS. The differential ranged from $10,247 to $75,069 with the percentage difference ranging from 20% to 47%. The mean difference was $43,606 (p = 0.0002). The dollar difference (r = 0.98, p < 0.0001) and percentage difference (r = 0.79, p = 0.01) were both related to the total charge of the SEMLS surgery.

SIGNIFICANCE

Financial costs are lower for SEMLS vs. SSA for the treatment of multilevel gait issues in children with CP. The cost of gait analysis is much smaller than the cost differential between SEMLS and SSA. Although some patients who have SEMLS may need additional orthopedic surgery with associated costs, this is also possible for SSA. Therefore, due to the many benefits of SEMLS, which also include more informed treatment decision-making as well as reduced time away from school and work (for caregivers), SEMLS guided by gait analysis is recommended over SSA for the treatment of gait disorders in children with CP.

Psychosocial Intervention Outcomes for Children with Congenital and Neonatal Conditions: Systematic Review

 

There has been a historic lack of psychosocially geared treatment studies for congenital and neonatal conditions that impact brain development, despite well-established knowledge that these conditions impact cognitive development, quality of life (QoL), mental health, and academic success.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to systematically investigate the research literature focusing on the effects of interventions in psychosocially geared programs for children with neonatal brain injury on school and psychological outcomes.

METHODS

Psychosocially geared programs broadly refer to interventions to improve parenting and school functioning, or child behavior, as well as other interventions that have a psychological component but may be more physically oriented, such as goal-directed physiotherapy. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, PsychINFO, and Embase was completed between June and July 2020. The methodological quality of included articles was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Trials (RoB-2).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria and demonstrated adequate risk of bias (i.e., low risk of bias or some concerns). The studies included family (n = 2), parenting (n = 7), and child (n = 10) interventions. There is some evidence supporting the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for children with neonatal brain injury and their families on academic outcomes, behavior, and QoL, indicated by positive intervention effects in 65% (n = 13) of studies.

Rehabilitation After Single-Event Multilevel Surgery for Children and Young Adults With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT

This review sought to describe and analyze published protocols for rehabilitation after single-event multilevel surgery for people with cerebral palsy, to identify their differences and limits, and to introduce a common step-by-step framework for future descriptions and assessments of postoperative rehabilitation protocols.The MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) single-event multilevel surgery, (2) full-text reports published after 1985, and (3) articles with a method section describing the rehabilitation protocol. Interventions were coded using the Oxford Levels of Evidence and the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies Index.Twenty-four articles were included in the review. Studies included patients aged 4-30 yrs with spastic cerebral palsy (hemiplegia, diplegia, and quadriplegia). The mean postoperative rehabilitation duration was 4.5 mos, with 4 sessions per week, and rehabilitation took place in a rehabilitation center. This review provides relevant information about the modalities, contents, limits, and difficulties associated with the post-SEMS rehabilitation protocol reported in the literature. Pain was identified as a major problem.A more precise and comprehensive description of post-SEMS rehabilitation protocols would be useful. The proposed five-step framework could be used by future studies to standardize their protocol description in terms of objective, content, and intensity.

Ankle Dorsiflexor Function after Gastrocsoleus Lengthening in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Literature Review

Background and Objectives: Ambulant children with cerebral palsy can demonstrate persistent “foot drop” after successful gastrocsoleus lengthening (GSL) surgery for equinus deformity. This may be due to inadequate strength and/or selective motor control of the ankle dorsiflexor muscles. A procedure has been developed to reduce foot drop—Tibialis Anterior Tendon Shortening (TATS), to be performed in conjunction with GSL. However, it is currently unclear how ankle dorsiflexor function changes after surgery and which children could benefit from TATS. This review summarises changes in ankle dorsiflexor function after GSL for equinus, as reported in the literature. Methods: A search was performed of the Medline, Embase and PubMed databases from 1980 to 5 March 2021. Keywords included “cerebral palsy”, “equinus deformity”, “orthopedic procedures” and “gait analysis”. The search identified 1974 studies. Thirty-three cohort studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Results: Twenty-two studies reported improvement in swing phase ankle dorsiflexion kinematics, after GSL. There was also evidence that clinical measures of ankle dorsiflexor strength improved after surgery. Four studies reported changes in selective motor control, with mixed results across the studies. Conclusions: There is good evidence that swing phase ankle dorsiflexion improves after GSL surgery. Although, there is limited evidence that this correlates with reduced foot drop or diminished need for an ankle-foot orthosis. Future research should be prospective, randomised, include a large sample size, and should focus on identifying the optimal candidates for TATS.

Presence and predictors of pain after orthopedic surgery and associated orthopedic outcomes in children with cerebral palsy

While children with cerebral palsy (CP) may undergo 8‐22 orthopedic surgeries in their lifetime, little is known about the associated pain. We aimed to assess the pain presence before and one year after lower extremity orthopedic surgery, predictors of pain presence at follow‐up, and the association between pain and orthopedic outcomes related to surgery. This retrospective study included 86 children with CP (M age = 10.0 years, SD = 3.2; range = 4.1‐17.3 years, Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) level I‐III) who underwent orthopedic surgery and had completed questionnaires at gait analyses before (M = 2.7 months; range = 0.0‐5.7) and after surgery (M = 11.8 months; range = 9.0‐14.9). Pain presence, location, and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) scores were documented before and after surgery at gait analyses. Pain prevalence was 60% at baseline and 56% at follow‐up. Significant predictors of pain presence at follow‐up included (1) pain presence at baseline (range of odds ratios [OR] across any/all locations = 3.22 to 15.54), (2) older age (range of OR for any pain, back, knee, and foot pain = 1.24‐1.26), (3) female sex (decreased OR for males for ankle pain = 0.12), (4) having hip surgery (decreased OR for foot pain = 0.20), and (5) lower GMFCS level (OR for foot pain = 0.41). Changes in PODCI Sports and Physical Function scores were associated with changes in hip and knee pain (P < .03); PODCI scores worsened for patients who had pain at both time points and improved for patients who had pain at baseline but not follow‐up. Pain was present for over half of the participants before and after orthopedic surgery. Pain presence at follow‐up was predicted by pain presence at baseline. Pain and functional outcomes were correlated at follow‐up. Prospective studies examining perioperative pain experience and factors predicting pain outcomes are warranted.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation to Immobilized Lower Extremities Directly Following Orthopaedic Surgery in Three Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Case Series

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive, neurological disorder often resulting in secondary musculoskeletal impairments affecting alignment and function which can result in orthopaedic surgery. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a modality that can be used for rehabilitation; however, NMES immediately following orthopaedic surgery in children with CP using surface electrodes has not been previously reported. The purpose of this case series is to describe the novel use of NMES in the acute rehabilitation phase directly after orthopaedic surgery. This case series included three children with spastic diplegia CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System level II who underwent Single Event Multi-Level orthopaedic Surgery. Each long leg cast contained window cast cut-outs to allow for surface electrode placement for daily NMES intervention to the quadriceps muscles while immobilized. Children were assessed pre- and post-operatively using the Functional Mobility Scale (FMS), Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66), and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). All children demonstrated no adverse effects using NMES intervention and had improvements in the 6MWT. Most children demonstrated gains in the FMS and GMFM-66. Use of NMES through window cast-cuts in a long leg cast is a novel practice approach for delivery of early rehabilitation following lower extremity orthopaedic surgery.

Effects of minimally invasive surgery and functional physiotherapy on motor function of children with cerebral palsy: A non-randomised controlled trial

Purpose

This non-randomised controlled trial investigated whether a combined programme of functional physiotherapy and minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery improves the level and degree of capacity and performance of gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

Fifty-two children with spastic CP aged 5-7 years, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels II-IV, were allocated to two equal groups: experimental group (selective percutaneous myofascial lengthening [SPML] procedure and 9-month functional strengthening physiotherapy programme) and control (standard physiotherapy) groups. At baseline and at the end of the 9-month intervention, the capacity and performance of gross motor function were assessed with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) D and E subcategories and Functional Mobility Scale (FMS), respectively. The level of gross motor function was measured with the GMFCS.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in the post-intervention improvements in the GMFM D (experimental mean difference = 19.63 ± 10.46; control mean difference = 2.40 ± 4.62) and E (experimental mean difference = 19.33 ± 11.82; control mean difference = 4.20 ± 6.26) between experimental and control group (p < 0.001). There was a significant improvement in the GMFCS level and each FMS distance for the experimental group (p < 0.001), but not for the control group (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

SPML procedure combined with functional physiotherapy improves gross motor function in children with spastic CP, by raising the degree and level of motor independence.

Single-event multilevel surgery in cerebral palsy: Value added by a co-surgeon

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to compare outcomes for single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) in cerebral palsy (CP) performed by 1 or 2 attending surgeons.A retrospective review of patients with CP undergoing SEMLS was performed. Patients undergoing SEMLS performed by a single senior surgeon were compared with patients undergoing SEMLS by the same senior surgeon and a consistent second attending surgeon. Due to heterogeneity of the type and quantity of SEMLS procedures included in this study, a scoring system was utilized to stratify patients to low and high surgical burden. The SEMLS events scoring less than 18 points were categorized as low burden surgery and SEMLS scoring 18 or more points were categorized as high burden surgery. Operative time, estimated blood loss, hospital length of stay, and operating room (OR) utilization costs were compared.In low burden SEMLS, 10 patients had SEMLS performed by a single surgeon and 8 patients had SEMLS performed by 2 surgeons. In high burden SEMLS, 10 patients had SEMLS performed by a single surgeon and 12 patients had SEMLS performed by 2 surgeons. For high burden SEMLS, operative time was decreased by a mean of 69 minutes in cases performed by 2 co-surgeons (P = 0.03). Decreased operative time was associated with an estimated savings of $2484 per SEMLS case. In low burden SEMLS, a trend toward decreased operative time was associated for cases performed by 2 co-surgeons (182 vs 221 minutes, P = 0.11). Decreased operative time was associated with an estimated savings of $1404 per low burden SEMLS case. No difference was found for estimated blood loss or hospital length of stay between groups in high and low burden SEMLS.Employing 2 attending surgeons in SEMLS decreased operative time and OR utilization cost, particularly in patients with a high surgical burden. These findings support the practice of utilizing 2 attending surgeons for SEMLS in patients with CP.Level of Evidence: Level III.

Factors related to better outcomes after single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) in patients with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND

Good outcomes have been described after single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) in cerebral palsy (CP); however, there is limited evidence regarding factors influencing them.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What were the factors related to kinematic outcomes after SEMLS in the present study?

METHODS

Two hundred and fifty-eight patients with spastic diplegic CP, GMFCS I-III, who underwent SEMLS and had done pre and post-operative gait analyses were included in the SEMLS Group (SEMLS-G). A second search was performed in the same database looking for patients to compose the Control Group (CG), and 88 subjects, with at least two gait analyses and with no surgical intervention between tests, were identified. Demographic data, GDI and GPS (Gait Profile Score) were analyzed in both groups, and the results compared. A second evaluation was performed in the SEMLS-G in order to identify the influence of age, gender, follow-up time, pre-operative GDI, GMFCS and gait velocity on results.

RESULTS

The GDI (51.3-58.4) and GPS (2.5°) improvement occurred only in SEMLS-G (p < 0.001). On sagittal plane, there was an improvement at the knee and ankle levels in SEMLS-G, whereas the pelvic alignment improved in the CG. In SEMLS-G, patients with improvement on GDI > 10 points had lower pre-operative GDI (46.15) than other groups (p < 0.001). In addition, patients with reduction on GDI after intervention had lower pre-operative gait velocity than subjects with improvement >10 points (p = 0. 01). The increase on GDI after SEMLS was greater in patients GMFCS I and II than GMFCS III (p = 0.003). There was a negative effect of GMFCS III on GDI improvement after intervention (p = 0.014).

SIGNIFICANCE

Lower pre-operative GDI, higher baseline gait velocity and GMFCS levels I and II were related to better outcomes after SEMLS in the present study. On the other hand, patients GMFCS III were more susceptible to deteriorate after SEMLS.

A comparison of conventional and minimally invasive multilevel surgery for children with diplegic cerebral palsy

AIMS

To compare changes in gait kinematics and walking speed 24 months after conventional (C-MLS) and minimally invasive (MI-MLS) multilevel surgery for children with diplegic cerebral palsy (CP).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 19 children following C-MLS, with mean age at surgery of 12 years five months (seven years ten months to 15 years 11 months), and 36 children following MI-MLS, with mean age at surgery of ten years seven months (seven years one month to 14 years ten months), was performed. The Gait Profile Score (GPS) and walking speed were collected preoperatively and six, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Type and frequency of procedures as part of MLS, surgical adverse events, and subsequent surgery were recorded.

RESULTS

In both groups, GPS improved from the preoperative gait analysis to the six-month assessment with maintenance at 12 and 24 months postoperatively. While reduced at six months in both groups, walking speed returned to preoperative speed by 12 months. The overall pattern of change in GPS and walking speed was similar over time following C-MLS and MI-MLS. There was a median of ten procedures per child as part of both C-MLS (interquartile range (IQR) 8.0 to 11.0) and MI-MLS (IQR 7.8 to 11.0). Surgical adverse events occurred in seven (37%) and 13 (36%) children, with four (21%) and 13 (36%) patients requiring subsequent surgery following C-MLS and MI-MLS, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates similar improvements in gait kinematics and walking speed 24 months after C-MLS and MI-MLS for children with diplegic CP. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):192-197.

Spontaneous decrease in gastrocnemius spasticity after correction of knee flexion gait in children with cerebral palsy

PURPOSE

Synergistic neuro-excitability in the lower extremities may be related to gait disorders. This study aimed to report spontaneous changes after correcting knee flexion gait and discuss the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

A prospective study of 23 children with cerebral palsy was conducted to assess postoperative changes in gross motor function, joint range of motion (ROM), and spasticity. Characteristics of children/limbs with spontaneous decrease in gastrocnemius spasticity were assessed.

RESULTS

In 10 patients (19 limbs) without gastrocnemius release, the Modified Ashworth scores in the gastrocnemius decreased in 6 limbs after 3 months and in 10 limbs after 6 months. Those limbs with spontaneous changes had worse preoperative knee flexion contracture than the limbs without spasticity changes (knee ROM limitation score 5.4 vs. 3.7, p = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with knee flexion contracture recruited greater plantar flexion-knee extension couple to balance knee flexion gait, and synergistic neuro-excitability of the gastrocnemius was enhanced. Our early results suggest preservation of the gastrocnemius in treating knee flexion gait, especially for patients with knee flexion contracture.

Association of age in motor function outcomes after multilevel myofascial release in children with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND

Many recommend deferring orthopedic surgery for cerebral palsy-related disorders in young children. However, age is correlated with musculoskeletal deterioration, and deferral may affect surgical outcomes. We aimed to clarify the relationships among age, degree of musculoskeletal disorder, and postoperative motor function change in children with cerebral palsy.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated children with cerebral palsy and a knee flexion gait disorder who underwent multilevel myofascial release between June 2010 and July 2014. The children were divided into younger (<10 years of age) and older (>10 years of age) groups. Outcome measures included the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), range of motion, spasticity, and physical capacity. Preoperative factors and postoperative changes were compared between the groups using the chi-squared, independent t-, and Mann-Whitney tests. Significant factors were plotted by participant age to identify the relationships between age and other variables.

RESULTS

We analyzed 20 patients who underwent multilevel myofascial release (12 and 8 in the younger and older groups, respectively). Whereas most preoperative factors were comparable between the two groups, the older group had a higher range of motion limitation score (44.4 vs. 36.1, p < 0.05). The older group also showed less improvement in the GMFM (-0.3 vs. +3.0, p < 0.05) and physical capacity (+0 vs. +1, p < 0.05) scores after 6 months of postoperative rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Age was positively correlated with the range of motion limitation and negatively correlated with postoperative GMFM improvement. The less favored postoperative rehabilitation course in older children needs to be considered for parents whose children are amenable to surgeries.

The orthopaedic aspect of spastic cerebral palsy

Spastic Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common form of CP, comprising of 80% of all cases. Spasticity is a type of hypertonia that clinically manifests as dynamic contractures. The dynamic contracture along with the reduced level of physical activity in a child with CP leads to secondary structural and morphological changes in spastic muscle, causing real musculotendinous shortening, known as fixed contractures. When fixed muscle contractures are not treated early, progressive musculoskeletal deformities develop. As a consequence, spastic CP from a static neurological pathology becomes a progressive orthopaedic pathology which needs to be managed surgically. Orthopaedic surgical management of CP has evolved from previous "multi-event single level" procedures to a "single event multilevel" procedures, with changes in selection and execution of treatment modalities. There is increasing evidence that multilevel surgery is an integral and essential part of therapeutic management of spastic CP, but more research is needed to ensure effectiveness of this intervention on all domains of physical disability in CP.

An Assessment of Randomized Controlled Trial Quality in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery: Update from 2001 to 2013

BACKGROUND

The quality of reporting of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery (JBJS) from 1988 to 2000 was previously analyzed. The purpose of this current study was to analyze the quality of reporting of RCTs published in JBJS from 2001 to 2013 to identify trends over time and potential areas of improvement for future clinical trials.

METHODS

A manual search of the JBJS database identified RCTs published between January 2001 and December 2013. Quality assessments, using the Detsky quality-of-reporting index (Detsky score), a modified Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, and abstraction of relevant data identifying predictors of quality, were conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 5,780 publications were identified in JBJS from 2001 to 2013, with 285 RCTs (4.9%), representing an increase from the prior 13-year period. The overall mean transformed Detsky score (and standard error) increased significantly (p < 0.001) from 68.1% ± 1.67% to 76.24% ± 0.72%. The percentage of multicenter RCTs decreased from 67% to 31%. The percentage of positive trials also decreased from 80% to 50.5%, as did the mean sample size (212 to 166). Regression analysis indicated that trials with an epidemiologist as the first author and nonsurgical trials were significantly associated (p = 0.001) with a higher overall trial quality score. The categories of the lowest mean methodology scores were randomization and concealment, eligibility criteria, and reasons for patient exclusion, as identified with the Detsky score, and patient and assessor blinding, as identified with the risk-of-bias assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

The quantity and quality of published RCTs in JBJS have increased in the 2001 to 2013 time period compared with the previous time period. Although these improvements are encouraging, trends to smaller, single-center trials were also observed. To efficiently determine the efficacy of orthopaedic treatments and limit bias, high-quality randomized trials of appropriate sample size and rigorous design are needed.

Long-term follow-up after patellar tendon shortening for flexed knee gait in bilateral spastic cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND

Flexed knee gait is a common gait dysfunction in individuals with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP) and is often addressed with single event multilevel surgery (SEMLS). SEMLS has been shown to have positive short-term effects especially on sagittal knee joint kinematics with less knee flexion during stance phase. However, mid- and long-term observations are rare, and results are reported in discrete parameters or summary statistics where temporal aspects are not considered.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does the improved knee joint kinematics after patellar tendon shortening (PTS) as part of SEMLS persist in the long-term in individuals with BSCP?

METHODS

Data of instrumented gait analysis of twelve participants (females/males: 5/7, mean age: 15.3 ± 3.4 years) with BSCP treated with PTS as part of SEMLS were retrospectively analyzed. Participants had had follow-up gait analysis 1, 5 and 7 years or more after surgery. Three-dimensional lower extremity kinematics of walking at a self-selected speed were collected using a 12-camera motion capture system and 4 embedded force plates. One-dimensional statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was used for data analysis, permitting time point comparisons of continuous data.

RESULTS

Time point comparison revealed no significant differences in the sagittal plane for knee joint kinematics (p > 0.05) over the tree measurement time points. Hip and ankle joint kinematics as well as normalised walking speed remained stable over the observation period.

SIGNIFICANCE

This is the first study investigating lower extremity kinematics in patients with BSCP and flexed knee gait after SEMLS with SPM. Results demonstrate that positive effects on sagittal knee joint kinematics of PTS as part of SEMLS persist up to 9 years after surgery and progressivity does not reoccur. Thus, if clinical examination indicates an operation in individuals with BSCP, improved kinematics through SEMLS persist into adulthood. With the relatively new statistical procedure SPM gait can be displayed and analysed in established joint angle curves making them easier to understand (e.g. physiotherapists, movement scientists, physicians).

Long-term Outcomes Following Multilevel Surgery in Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND

This long-term consecutive, retrospective single-center cohort study evaluates long-term outcomes of single-event multilevel surgery in diplegic cerebral palsy with respect to functional status, gait, and patient satisfaction.

METHODS

All patients with diplegic cerebral palsy who underwent single-event multilevel surgery >10 years previously were included. Retrospective gait assessment was performed using the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EVGS) and Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire Walking Scale (FAQWS) preoperatively and at midterm postoperative follow-up (median 2.6 y) and prospectively at most recent review [median 18 y, interquartile (IQ) range: 14.4 to 20.5 y]. The Short Form-36 (SF-36) was used prospectively to evaluate outcome compared with population norms for adults from the UK.

RESULTS

The complete assessment was possible in 26 of 39 patients who met the inclusion criteria. There was a statistically significant improvement at most recent follow-up compared with the preoperative assessment for EVGS and FAQWS [Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Signed Rank test -4.42 (P<0.0001) and 3.98 (P=0.0001), respectively]. The median Physical Health and Mental Health Component Summary scores for the SF-36 were 43.0 (IQ range: 32.8 to 46.8) and 55.3 (IQ range: 46.1 to 61.1), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates significant long-term improvements in function, independence and patient satisfaction that continue into adulthood. This will inform discussions with patients and families considering this treatment option.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-Retrospective cohort study.

Association between Gait Deviation Index and Physical Function in Children with Bilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study examined the association between Gait Deviation Index (GDI) and the five-times-sit-to-stand test (FTSST) or gait speed results, which represent mobility and muscle strength of the lower extremities in ambulatory children with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I and II spastic cerebral palsy. In this cross-sectional, observational study, three-dimensional gait analysis data were obtained during gait trials to evaluate the GDI in 35 children (age 5–16 years) with spastic palsy. Motor function was evaluated using FTSST and gait speed. Gross motor function was evaluated using GMFCS. Children with GMFCS level II spastic cerebral palsy demonstrated lower GDI (p < 0.001) and poorer FTSST (p = 0.031) than those with GMFCS level I spastic cerebral palsy. Correlation analysis showed that FTSST results were significantly correlated with GDI (r = −0.624; p < 0.001). Motor function may be important for the maintenance of gait quality in patients with GMFCS level I and II spastic cerebral palsy and should not be ignored. In conclusion, reduction in gait impairment may affect the values of FTSST and GDI in patients with spastic cerebral palsy who can ambulate without an assistive device.

Gastrocnemius Recession in the Setting of Metatarsalgia: The Baumann Procedure

A fundamental etiologic component of metatarsalgia is the repetitive loading of a locally concentrated force in the forefoot during gait. In the setting of an isolated gastrocnemius contracture, weight-bearing pressure is shifted toward the forefoot. If metatarsalgia is considered an entity more than a symptom, evaluation of gastrocnemius contracture must be a part of the physical examination, and gastrocnemius recession via the Baumann procedure alone, or in combination with other procedures, considered as an alternative treatment in an attempt to restore normal foot biomechanics.

Role of femoral derotation on gait after selective dorsal rhizotomy in children with spastic cerebral palsy

AIM

To evaluate the long-term outcome of selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) on gait and the influence of previous femoral derotation osteotomy (FDO).

METHOD

In a retrospective cohort study of 29 children (16 females, 13 males) with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, 14 children received FDO before SDR, whereas 15 children with moderate or near-normal internal femoral rotation during gait received only SDR. Three-dimensional gait data were obtained pre-FDO, pre-SDR, 1 year post-SDR, and 3 to 5 years post-SDR, to study the Gait Profile Score (GPS), pelvic tilt, and knee and hip kinematics. A mixed analysis of variance with the repeated measure 'time' was performed between different time points for each group.

RESULTS

Children who first underwent FDO and then SDR started with a more complex gait pathology but showed fewer gait deviations 3 to 5 years post-SDR, compared to children who only underwent SDR. This was reflected by a lower GPS and pelvic tilt, as well as less knee flexion in stance.

INTERPRETATION

The effect of SDR on gait is only significant in the mid- to long-term if the bony lever arms are also corrected. Thus, the clinical outcome after SDR is dependent on good proximal alignment.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Pelvic tilt remains stable after femoral derotation osteotomy (FDO)+selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). But pelvic tilt deteriorates after SDR only. Hip and knee extension is better after FDO+SDR than after SDR only. Spasticity reduction (by SDR) combined with bony lever arm correction (by FDO) improves gait.

Botulinum Toxin in the Management of Children with Cerebral Palsy

During the past 25 years, botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) has become the most widely used medical intervention in children with cerebral palsy. In this review we consider the gaps in our knowledge in the use of BoNT-A and reasons why muscle morphology and function in children with cerebral palsy are impaired. We review limitations in our knowledge regarding the mechanisms underlying the development of contractures and the difficulty in preventing them. It is clear from this review that injection of BoNT-A in the large muscles of both the upper and lower limbs of children with cerebral palsy will result in a predictable decrease in muscle activity, which is usually reported as a reduction in spasticity, for between 3 and 6 months. These changes are noted by the use of clinical tools such as the Modified Ashworth Scale and the Modified Tardieu Scale. Decreased muscle over-activity usually results in improved range of motion in distal joints. Injection of the gastrocnemius muscle for toe-walking in a child with hemiplegia or diplegia usually has the effect of increasing the passive range of dorsiflexion at the ankle. In our review, we found that this may result in a measurable improvement in gait by the use of observational gait scales or gait analysis, in some children. However, improvements in gait function are not always achieved and are small in magnitude and short lived. We found that some of the differences in outcomes in clinical trials may relate to the use of adjunctive interventions such as serial casting, orthoses, night splints and intensive therapy. We note that the majority of clinical trials of the use of BoNT-A in children with cerebral palsy have focussed on a single injection cycle and this is insufficient to understand the balance between benefit and harm. Most outcomes were reported in terms of changes in muscle tone and there were fewer studies with robust methodology that reported improvements in function. Changes in the domains of activities and participation have rarely been reported in studies to date. There were no clinical reviews to date that consider the findings of studies in human volunteers and in experimental animals and their relevance to clinical protocols. In this review we found that studies in human volunteers and in experimental animals show muscle atrophy after an injection of BoNT-A for at least 12 months. Muscle atrophy was accompanied by loss of contractile elements in muscle and replacement with fat and connective tissue. It is not currently known if these changes, mediated at a molecular level, are reversible. We conclude that there is a need to revise clinical protocols by using BoNT-A more thoughtfully, less frequently and with greatly enhanced monitoring of the effects on injected muscle for both short-term and long-term benefits and harms.

Physical therapy treatment in children with cerebral palsy after single-event multilevel surgery: a qualitative systematic review. A first step towards a clinical guideline for physical therapy after single-event multilevel surgery

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to review available evidence for physical therapy treatment (PTT) after single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS), and to realize a first step towards an accurate and clinical guideline for developing effective PTT for children with cerebral palsy (CP) after SEMLS.

METHODS

A qualitative systematic review (PubMed, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library) investigating a program of PTT after SEMLS in children aged 4-18 years with CP classified by Gross Motor Function Classification System level I-III.

RESULTS

Six articles meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. The selected studies provide only incomplete descriptions of interventions, and show no consensus regarding PTT after SEMLS. Neither do they show any consensus on the outcome measures or measuring instruments.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results of this literature review in combination with our best practice, we propose a preliminary protocol of PTT after SEMLS.

Hamstring lengthening in females with cerebral palsy have greater effect than in males

Children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy often demonstrate crouched gait patterns, and typically undergo hamstring lengthenings. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine if the surgical response to medial and lateral hamstring lengthenings is different between males and females. Preoperative and postoperative kinematic data of 109 (71 males and 38 females) patients with cerebral palsy were evaluated. Females demonstrated larger decreases in popliteal angle, larger decreases in mid-stance knee flexion, and higher incidences of knee hyperextension postoperatively. Results indicate that females have larger responses to hamstring lengthenings than males.

Long-term muscle changes after hamstring lengthening in children with bilateral cerebral palsy

AIM

To evaluate short-term (1y postoperatively; E1) and long-term (at least 4y postoperatively; E2) changes in hamstring muscle-tendon length (MTL) and lengthening velocity after hamstring lengthening in children with bilateral cerebral palsy (CP).

METHOD

Three-dimensional gait analysis was performed in 19 children (16 males, 3 females; 36 limbs; mean age at surgery 9y [SD 3y]; range 6-10y) with flexed knee gait, preoperative ankle dorsiflexion lower than 20 degrees, and CP before bilateral hamstring lengthening (E0), at E1 and E2. Hamstring MTL (normalized by leg length) and velocity were assessed via OpenSim software.

RESULTS

MTL increased from E0 to E1 (p=0.004) and decreased from E1 to E2 (p<0.020). Hamstring lengthening velocity did not change. In the subgroup with short, not slow hamstrings, the increase in MTL was maintained at E2.

INTERPRETATION

Hamstring lengthening is an efficient procedure to lengthen short and/or slow hamstrings short-term. The desired outcome with maintenance of the postoperative changes in hamstring MTL is only achieved for preoperatively short, not slow hamstrings.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Surgical hamstring lengthening can be confirmed via musculoskeletal modelling in OpenSim software. Surgical hamstring lengthening in cerebral palsy does not change hamstring lengthening velocity. Short, not slow hamstrings present a long-lasting muscle-tendon length (MTL) increase after hamstring lengthening. Changes in MTL after hamstring lengthening cannot be maintained for slow hamstrings. MTL does not change after hamstring lengthening for neither short nor slow hamstrings.

Multilevel Surgery for Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Multilevel surgery (MLS) is standard care for reducing musculoskeletal disorders among children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the literature examining effects of MLS and satisfaction with MLS for children with CP.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies in which authors reported effects of or satisfaction with MLS in children with CP were selected.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two authors screened and extracted data on gross motor function, gait speed, gait (eg, Gait Profile Score), range of motion, strength, spasticity, participation, quality of life, satisfaction, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Seventy-four studies (3551 participants) were identified. One was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) (n = 19); the remainder were cohort studies. Pooled analysis of cohort studies revealed that MLS did not have a long-term effect on gross motor function (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.25 to 1.01) or gait speed (SMD: 0.12; 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.25) but did improve gait (SMD: -0.80; 95% CI: -0.95 to -0.65). The RCT also revealed no effect of MLS on gross motor function but improvements in the Gait Profile Score at 1 year. Participation and quality of life were reported in only 5 studies, and adverse events were adequately reported in 17 studies.

LIMITATIONS

Data were largely from cohort studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings reveal that gait, but not gross motor function, improves after MLS. RCTs and improved reporting of studies of MLS are required.

Estimating the effect size of surgery to improve walking in children with cerebral palsy from retrospective observational clinical data

Single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) is a standard treatment approach aimed at improving gait for patients with cerebral palsy, but the effect of this approach compared to natural progression without surgical intervention is unclear. In this study, we used retrospective patient history, physical exam, and three-dimensional gait analysis data from 2,333 limbs to build regression models estimating the effect of SEMLS on gait, while controlling for expected natural progression. Post-hoc classifications using the regression model results identified which limbs would exhibit gait within two standard deviations of typical gait at the follow-up visit with or without a SEMLS with 73% and 77% accuracy, respectively. Using these models, we found that, while surgery was expected to have a positive effect on 93% of limbs compared to natural progression, in only 37% of limbs was this expected effect a clinically meaningful improvement. We identified 26% of the non-surgically treated limbs that may have shown a clinically meaningful improvement in gait had they received surgery. Our models suggest that pre-operative physical therapy focused on improving biomechanical characteristics, such as walking speed and strength, may improve likelihood of positive surgical outcomes. These models are shared with the community to use as an evaluation tool when considering whether or not a patient should undergo a SEMLS.

The use of pediatric locked plates in the paralytic hip: preliminary results of 61 cases

Objective

To evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of proximal femoral varus derotational and shortening osteotomy (OVRF) (Port., doesn't match name) with the use of a locked plate in patients with cerebral palsy, classified by the gross motor functional classification system as class IV or V.

Methods

A retrospective study of 42 patients (61 hips) with cerebral palsy, gross motor functional classification system class IV or V, submitted to OVRF. The minimal follow up was 24 months. This study evaluated clinical (age at surgery, gender, Gross Motor Functional Classification System class, anatomical cerebral palsy classification, and motor pattern), pre- and post-operative radiological (neck shaft angle, acetabular index, Reimers migration index and time until bone healing) characteristics, as well as post-operative complications.

Results

Mean pre-operative cervicodiaphyseal angle, acetabular index, and Reimers migration index were respectively 121.6°, 22.7°, and 65.4% in uncomplicated cases, and 154.7°, 20.4°, and 81.1% in complicated ones. All parameters were statistically significant difference between pre- and postoperative values (p < 0.05). The patients with postoperative complications had a greater cervicodiaphyseal angle and Reimers migration index (p < 0.0001). There were no differences in clinical characteristics, time of immobilization, or bone healing. Fourteen patients had postoperative complications (33.3%), but only six required surgical treatment.

Conclusion

The locked plate is a safe resource, with low complication rates and reproducible technique for OVRF in the cerebral palsy population classified as gross motor functional classification system IV and V. Greater cervicodiaphyseal angles and Reimers migration index are associated with greater chances of postoperative complications, as well as gross motor functional classification system V classification.

Measuring Abnormality in High Dimensional Spaces with Applications in Biomechanical Gait Analysis

Accurately measuring a subject's abnormality using high dimensional data can empower better outcomes research. Utilizing applications in instrumented gait analysis, this article demonstrates how using data that is inherently non-independent to measure overall abnormality may bias results. A methodology is then introduced to address this bias and accurately measure abnormality in high dimensional spaces. While this methodology is in line with previous literature, it differs in two major ways. Advantageously, it can be applied to datasets in which the number of observations is less than the number of features/variables, and it can be abstracted to practically any number of domains or dimensions. Initial results of these methods show that they can detect known, real-world differences in abnormality between subject groups where established measures could not. This methodology is made freely available via the abnormality R package on CRAN.

Mid-term development of hamstring tendon length and velocity after distal femoral extension osteotomy in children with bilateral cerebral palsy: a retrospective cohort study

AIM

Flexed knee gait can be treated with distal femoral extension osteotomy (DFEO) and additional patellar tendon advancement (PTA) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). This study assesses changes in hamstring muscle tendon length (MTL) and velocity after DFEO (+PTA).

METHOD

Nineteen children (mean age 13y [standard deviation 3y] at surgery) with CP and flexed knee gait who were treated with DFEO (15 limbs) or DFEO+PTA (10 limbs) were retrospectively included in this study. Gait analyses were performed preoperatively (E0), 1 year postoperatively (E1), and for 10 limbs additionally 2 to 5 years postoperatively (E2). Hamstring MTL and velocities were assessed at all examination dates using OpenSim.

RESULTS

Hamstring MTL and velocity did not change significantly over time. From E0 to E1, knee flexion in stance improved for both DFEO and DFEO+PTA (p<0.05), knee flexion in swing only improved after DFEO+PTA (p<0.05). The improved knee flexion in stance and swing was maintained at E2.

INTERPRETATION

DFEO led to a significant improvement in knee kinematics at E1 which was maintained at E2. DFEO seems to prevent recurrent hamstring tightness but does not lead to lengthened or fastened hamstrings.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Distal femoral extension osteotomy (DFEO) does not change hamstring muscle tendon length. DFEO does not change hamstring lengthening velocity. DFEO leads to a significant improvement in knee kinematics. Changes in knee kinematics after DFEO can be maintained at mid-term. DFEO seems to prevent recurrent hamstring tightness.

Onabotulinum toxin-A (Botox) for spastic equinus in cerebral palsy: a prospective kinematic study

PURPOSE

Botulinum toxin-A (or Botox) is widely used for the management of equinus gait in children with cerebral palsy but few recent studies have included instrumented gait analysis.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study. Gait analysis was performed four weeks before and four weeks after Botulinum toxin-A injection for spastic equinus to detect the maximum effects on gait kinematics. Outcome measures included the Gait Profile Score (GPS), the Gait Variable Score (GVS) for the ankle, maximal ankle dorsiflexion and maximal knee extension at midstance.

RESULTS

In all, 37 children participated (20 boys); mean age five years seven months (4 years 1 month to 8 years 2 months); 19 with unilateral and 18 bilateral involvement. At a mean four weeks post-injection, the GPS and ankle GVS were unchanged. However maximum ankle dorsiflexion increased for the whole group; median 7.7° (confidence interval (CI) 4° to 10.6°) to 11.5° (CI 7.7° to 12.9°), p = 0.02. Maximum midstance knee extension was unchanged for the whole group, but median knee flexion increased in children with bilateral involvement; 10.9° (CI 7.4° to 20.8°) to 16.5° (CI 8.4° to 19.7°), p = 0.58.

CONCLUSION

Injections of the gastrocsoleus for spastic equinus did not result in objective improvements in overall gait. Improvements in ankle dorsiflexion for children with bilateral involvement may be offset by deterioration at the knee.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II - prospective cohort study, before and after intervention.

Equinus Correction During Multilevel Surgery in Adults With Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND

Equinus foot deformity constitutes a common gait disorder in ambulatory adults with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP). The outcome after intramuscular aponeurotic lengthening in the context of single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) in adulthood has not been investigated.

METHODS

We followed a group of 31 ambulatory adults with BSCP and equinus who underwent SEMLS including gastrocnemius-soleus intramuscular aponeurotic recession or Achilles tendon lengthening. All patients were analyzed preoperatively and at least 1 year (mean follow-up period: 1.6 years) postoperatively by clinical examination and 3-dimensional instrumented gait analysis including the Gait Profile Score (GPS).

RESULTS

Clinical examination showed no significant improvement of ankle dorsiflexion ( P = .5) and an unchanged plantarflexion ( P = .7) with knee extended but a significant postoperative reduction of spasticity in the calf muscle ( P = .0001) as measured by clinical examination following the modified Ashworth scale. Significant improvement of mean ankle dorsiflexion in stance and swing ( P = .0001) was found. The GPS decreased and improved significantly (15.9 ± 4.6 to 11.4 ± 3.1; P = .0001). Persistence of equinus and calcaneal gait indicating under- and overcorrection at follow-up was found in 1 patient (3%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Intramuscular gastrocnemius-soleus aponeurotic recession is part of multilevel surgery corrected equinus deformity in adults. The increase in muscle length led to significant improvement of kinetic and kinematic parameters during walking without a loss of muscle strength and push-off capacity. The risk of overcorrection after equinus correction in adults with BSCP was found to be relatively low.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Evolution of self-care and functional mobility after single-event multilevel surgery in children and adolescents with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy

AIM

To explore the evolution of self-care and functional mobility after multilevel surgery in children and adolescents with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy and to identify factors affecting these outcomes.

METHOD

Thirty-four participants (22 males, 12 females) were evaluated before surgery, and at 2 months, 6 months, 1 year, 18 months, and 2 years after surgery. Self-care was assessed with the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Dutch edition. The Mobility Questionnaire47 (MobQues47) and Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) were used to measure functional mobility.

RESULTS

All outcomes revealed a significant decrease 2 months after single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) (p-value between <0.001 and 0.02) followed by a significant increase at 6 months (p<0.001 and p=0.045). Between 6 months and 1 year, a significant increase was also revealed for Mobques47 (p<0.001), FMS (p≤0.008), and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Functional Skills Scale (PEDI-FSS) (p=0.001). Improvement continued until 18 months for the PEDI-FSS. Initial score, initial muscle strength, Gross Motor Function Classification System level, age, and number of surgical interventions significantly influenced time trends for self-care and/or functional mobility.

INTERPRETATION

Most preoperative scores are regained at 6 months after SEMLS. Further improvement is seen until 18 months. Participants with a higher functional level before surgery will temporarily lose more than participants with lower initial functional ability, but they also fast regain their function.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Self-care and functional mobility decrease significantly in the first months after single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS). Six months after SEMLS most preoperative scores are regained. Impact of SEMLS is more pronounced for functional mobility than for self-care. Muscle strength and functionality at baseline are important influencing factors on the evolution after SEMLS.

Management of hypertonia in cerebral palsy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The review provides an update on the treatment of hypertonia in cerebral palsy, including physical management, pharmacotherapy, neurosurgical, and orthopedic procedures.

RECENT FINDINGS

Serial casting potentiates the effect of Botulinum neurotoxin A injections for spasticity. Deep brain stimulation, intraventricular baclofen, and ventral and dorsal rhizotomy are emerging tools for the treatment of dystonia and/or mixed tone. The long-term results of selective dorsal rhizotomy and the timing of orthopedic surgery represent recent advances in the surgical management of hypertonia.

SUMMARY

Management of hypertonia in cerebral palsy targets the functional goals of the patient and caregiver. Treatment options are conceptualized as surgical or nonsurgical, focal or generalized, and reversible or irreversible. The role of pharmacologic therapies is to improve function and mitigate adverse effects. Further investigation, including clinical trials, is required to determine the role of deep brain stimulation, intraventricular baclofen, orthopedic procedures for dystonia, and rhizotomy.