Multilevel surgery for equinus gait in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy: medium-term follow-up with gait analysis

Quantification of gait impairment using the gait profile and variable score in children with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND

gait kinematic parameters of children with unilateral and bilateral cerebral palsy must be characterized separately by a statistical index with promising psychometric properties. The objective of this study was to compare both forms of cerebral palsy using the gait profile score and gait variable score.

METHODS

Gait profile score of 47 children with cerebral palsy classified with a Gross Motor Function Classification System level I-III were retrospectively calculated from gait analysis. Statistical analysis were used to compare (1) gait profile score between level I and II, (2) gait profile and variable score between children with unilateral (n = 28) and bilateral (n = 16) forms as well as their difference between both limbs for each subgroup (significance level of 0.05).

FINDINGS

The gait profile score was significantly different between level I and II (p ≤ 0.021). No significant difference was found for gait profile score between both subgroups (p = 0.72) or between both limbs of children with bilateral form (p = 0.85). The gait profile score was significantly higher for the paretic compared to the non-paretic limb of children with unilateral form (p < 0.005). Significant differences were found for some gait variable score between subgroups (p < 0.05).

INTERPRETATION

The gait profile score can distinguish altered kinematic gait parameters in paretic from non-paretic limb in children with unilateral form. The gait variable score helps to localize the largest kinematic impairment.

Relationship Between Infrared Thermography and Functional Parameters in the Lower Limbs of Hemiplegic Patients

INTRODUCTION

Reliable objective and non-invasive assessments of myotendinous alterations in patients with muscle tone disorders secondary to brain damage represent an important challenge in health science. The aim of this study was to observe the relationship between the skin temperature and the functional response in the triceps suralis of hemiplegic patients in relation to the healthy control group.

METHODS

A descriptive observational study was conducted based on the STARD recommendations. A total of 26 volunteers, 13 participants with unilateral motor impairment and 13 healthy patients, participated and completed the study. Intragroup and intergroup clinical thermography tests were performed, and the results were compared in relation to the timed up and go test, pain threshold to pressure, and modified Ashworth scale.

RESULTS

Statistically relevant differences (p < 0.01) could be observed between the two groups in each test performed. Thermographic analysis revealed a difference in temperature between the healthy and affected sides in the inter- and intra-group comparisons. It was possible to observe statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) between limbs in the brain damage group (the side affected was at a lower temperature), while no such differences were observed between limbs in the healthy control group (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirmed that clinical thermography could be a potentially useful tool in the assessment of both structural and functional alterations of the musculoskeletal system in patients with chronic brain damage.

Kinematic Changes throughout Childhood in Youth with Cerebral Palsy: Influence of Age and Orthopaedic Surgery

BACKGROUND

Abnormal gait kinematics are common in youth with cerebral palsy (CP), but prior studies have not analyzed their longitudinal change throughout childhood. This study examines how age and orthopaedic surgery influence gait kinematics throughout childhood in those with ambulatory CP.

METHODS

In this institutional review board-approved prospective cohort study, children with spastic CP (GMFCS I-III) were recruited at age 17-40 months. Instrumented gait analysis was performed at 3-year intervals from age 4 to 21 years, collecting longitudinal kinematic data in bare feet at a self-selected speed. The change in Gait Profile Score (ΔGPS) between each pair of gait analyses (intervals) was analyzed by age distribution (<10, 10-15, ≥15 years) and by presence/absence of orthopaedic surgery.

RESULTS

The study included 31 children (GMFCS: I [13], II [14], III [4]). A baseline instrumented gait analysis was performed at age 5.8 ± 1.6 years with subsequent analysis at 2.5 ± 1.3-year intervals. Examining ΔGPS from baseline to final outcome, 87% of limbs were improved/unchanged; 298 intervals of ΔGPS were analyzed and classified as nonsurgical or surgical. Analysis revealed greater GPS improvement in intervals with surgery versus intervals without (p = 0.0004). Surgical intervals had significantly greater GPS improvement in the <10- vs. >15-year-old groups, p = 0.0063.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvement in gait kinematics in children with CP is significantly influenced by age and timing of orthopaedic surgical intervention for gait correction, and was most pronounced for children <10 years old. Although surgery was associated with improved outcomes in all age groups, these improvements were significantly less for children >10 years old. These results reinforce the importance of considering the timing of orthopaedic surgery.

The Impact of Operative Correction of Equinus in Cerebral Palsy on Gait Patterns

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate gait outcomes and strength following the surgical correction of equinus in cerebral palsy (CP) based on different surgical procedures. We included the Baumann and Strayer procedures, as well as the Achilles tendon lengthening (ATL).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed in patients with infantile, bilateral CP who received instrumental 3D gait analysis before and after surgical correction (18.66 months postoperatively). Patients were divided into 3 groups: Strayer surgery, Baumann surgery, and ATL. Gait performance and muscle strengths were compared between studied surgeries.

RESULTS

A total population of 204 patients (15.43 years) with 341 operated lower limbs (LLs) was analyzed. Dorsiflexion in swing and stance phases significantly improved in all groups postoperatively. The Strayer and the ATL group showed higher postoperative dorsiflexion than the Baumann group. However, no loss of strength was observed with the Baumann method. Maximum power improved in this group postoperatively. An 8.2% loss in calf muscle strength was recorded in the Strayer group.

CONCLUSION

Operative pes equinus treatment successfully improved the gait of children and adults with CP postoperatively. There were differences in postoperative results between studied operative techniques regarding range of motion and power.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

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.

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.

The Effects of Prolonged Vibrotactile EMG-Based Biofeedback on Ankle Joint Range of Motion During Gait in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Case Series

AIMS

The objective of this case series was to examine the feasibility of vibrotactile EMG-based biofeedback (BF) as a home-based intervention tool to enhance sensory information during everyday motor activities and to explore its effectiveness to induce changes in active ankle range of motion during gait in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).

METHODS

Ten children ages 6 to 13 years with spastic CP were recruited. Participants wore two EMG-based vibro-tactile BF devices for at least 4 hours per day for 1-month on the ankle and knee joints muscles. The device computed the amplitude of the EMG signal of the target muscle and actuated a silent vibration motor proportional to the magnitude of the EMG.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated the feasibility of the augmented sensory information of muscle activity to induce changes of the active ankle range of motion during gait for 6 children with an increase ranging from 8.9 to 51.6% compared to a one-month period without treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary findings of this case series demonstrate the feasibility of vibrotactile EMG-based BF and suggest potential effectiveness to increase active ankle range of motion, therefore serving as a promising therapeutic tool to improve gait in children with spastic CP.

Defining Equinus Foot in Cerebral Palsy

Background: Equinus foot is the deformity most frequently observed in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). While there is widespread agreement on the treatment of equinus foot, a clear clinical definition has been lacking. Therefore, we conducted this study to evaluate functional changes in gait analysis in relation to maximum possible dorsiflexion (0°, 5°, 10° and 15°) and in two subgroups of CP patients (unilateral and bilateral). Methods: In this retrospective study, CP patients with different degrees of clinically measured maximum dorsiflexion were included. We further subdivided patients into unilaterally and bilaterally affected individuals and also included a healthy control group. All participants underwent a 3D gait analysis. Our goal was to determine the degree of maximum clinical dorsiflexion where the functional changes in range of motion (ROM) and ankle moment and power during gait were most evident. Then, a subgroup analysis was performed according to the affected side. Results: In all, 71 and 84 limbs were analyzed in unilaterally and bilaterally affected subgroups. The clinically 0° dorsiflexion group barely reached a plantigrade position in the 3D gait analysis. Differences in ROM were observed between subgroups. Ankle moment was quite similar between different subgroups but to a lower extent in the unilateral group. All CP patients had reduced ankle power compared to controls. Conclusions: A cutoff value of clinical ≤ 5° dorsiflexion is the recommended value for defining a functionally relevant equinus foot in CP patients.

Recurrence of Equinus Foot in Cerebral Palsy following Its Correction-A Meta-Analysis

Background: Recurrence in cerebral palsy (CP) patients who have undergone operative or non-operative correction varies greatly from one study to another. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to determine the pooled rate of equinus recurrence following its correction either surgically or non-surgically. Methods: Nine electronic databases were searched from inception to 6 May 2021, and the search was updated on 13 August 2021. We included all studies that reported the recurrence rate of equinus following its correction among CP patients. The primary outcome was recurrence, where data were reported as a pooled event (PE) rate and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). We used the Cochrane’s risk of bias (RoB-II) tool and ROBINS-I tool to assess the quality of included randomized and non-randomized trials, respectively. We conducted subgroup analyses to identify the sources of heterogeneity. Results: The overall rate of recurrence was 0.15 (95% CI: 0.05−0.18; I2 = 88%; p < 0.01). Subgroup analyses indicated that the laterality of CP, study design, and intervention type were significant contributors to heterogeneity. The recurrence rate of equinus differed among interventions; it was highest in the multilevel surgery group (PE = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.19−0.38) and lowest in the Ilizarov procedure group (PE = 0.10; 95% CI: 0.04−0.24). Twelve studies had a low risk of bias, eight had a moderate risk, and nine had a serious risk of bias. Conclusion: The recurrence of equinus following its correction, either surgically or non-surgically, in CP patients is notably high. However, due to the poor quality of available evidence, our findings should be interpreted with caution. Future studies are still warranted to determine the actual risk of equinus recurrence in CP.

Gait profile score and gait variable scores in spina bifida

Quantitative data assessment on the basis of three-dimensional gait analysis has been routinely used in the evaluation of pathological gait of children with cerebral palsy. However, a similar quantitative methodology has not been applied for spina bifida patients in whom atypical gait patterns are thought to correlate with various levels of neurological paralysis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences among gait patterns in spina bifida between different levels of neurological lesions using quantitative methods: Gait profile score (GPS) and gait variable scores (GVS), scoring subject's gait deviation from a reference. In this cross-sectional study, 22 children with spina bifida (11 women, 11 men; mean age 9.4 years, SD 3.8 years, range 3-17 years), were examined using three-dimensional gait analysis from 2008 to 2018. Physical examination allowed for classification of each of the 44 limbs as either L4, L5 or S1 and comparison with the GPS and GVS using a linear mixed model. GPS and the GVS of the pelvis and hip range of motion in the coronal plane were significantly higher in the L4 group than in the L5 and S1 groups (GPS, P = 0.041, P = 0.003, respectively; GVS of pelvis, P = 0.001, P = 0.001; GVS of hip, P < 0.001, P < 0.001) GVS (foot progression angle) was significantly lower in the S1 group than in L4 and L5 groups (P < 0.001, P = 0.037). We found that GPS and GVS enable us to quantitatively assess the differences among gait patterns between different neurological levels. The scoring tool showed the potential for detecting individual neurological changes.

Continuous Wear of Night and Day Orthosis Is a Key Factor for Improvement of Fixed Equinus Deformity after the Transverse Vulpius Procedure

Background: Equinus foot deformity is secondary to either spasticity or contracture of the gastrocnemius–soleus complex. The plantar flexion is basically treated conservatively; several different surgical methods have been discussed. This paper focuses on the improvement of passive ankle dorsiflexion after a transverse Vulpius procedure in equinus foot deformity. Additionally, the influence of consequent postoperative wear of orthosis on the improvement of ankle range of motion was investigated. Methods: In total, 41 patients with neuromuscular impairment and 59 equinus feet deformities were surgically treated by using a transverse Vulpius procedure. A total of 19 female patients and 22 male patients with a mean age at surgery of 10.18 years (2 to 31) were included. Mean follow-up took place 12.26 ± 7.95 months after surgery. Passive ankle dorsiflexion was measured and subjective patients’ satisfaction was assessed. Results: Range of motion, measured as the maximum of passive ankle joint dorsiflexion, improved significantly from −8° ± 5.9° to 11.1° ± 6.7° directly after surgery to 16.2° ± 10.7° at follow-up. The improvement of passive ankle dorsiflexion was significantly associated with the continuous wearing of night and day orthosis (p = 0.0045). Patient subjective satisfaction was very high. Conclusion: A transverse Vulpius procedure for aponeurotic gastrocnemius and soleus muscle lengthening of equinus foot deformity resulted in a significant improvement of passive ankle dorsiflexion. Positive surgical results correlated to a continuous use of orthotic devices.

Outcome of Gastrocnemius Soleus Facial Lengthening in Ambulatory Patients With Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND

Treatment of equinus contractures in children with cerebral palsy (CP) varies across centers. Existing literature utilizes mixed study populations with a variety of procedures. As such, there is limited knowledge regarding recurrence rates and efficacy of a single procedure performed on a homogenous cohort. Here we retrospectively evaluate outcomes from gastroc soleus fascial lengthenings (GSFL) performed at 2 centers with consistent approaches in both patient selection and operative technique.

METHODS

Subjects meeting inclusion criteria including CP diagnosis, ambulation status, and minimum follow-up criteria were identified. Revision rate was reported based on need for additional calf lengthening procedures. Functional outcomes were evaluated using physical exam measures and selected variables from computational gait analysis. Outcomes factors were identified by comparing revised subjects to unrevised. Longitudinal outcomes of index surgeries were assessed by comparing preoperative functional data to short-term, mid-term, and long-term data.

RESULTS

A total of 64 subjects with 87 limbs met inclusion criteria. In all, 25% of subjects and 21% of limbs went on to revision. Factors influencing revision were age at index surgery and gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) level. More than half of revised limbs had index surgery before age 7. Revision rates for subjects less than 7 were 44% compared with a 17% revision rate for ages 7 to 12, and a 4% revision rate on children older than 12. GMFCSIII subjects had significantly higher revision rates (43%) compared with GMFCSII (18%) and GMFCSI (11%) subjects. Ankle range of motion measures improved significantly with GSFL and most maintained improvements at all time periods. GSFL did not lead to significant calcaneal gait or crouch.

CONCLUSIONS

This study evaluates long term efficacy of GSFL to address equinus in ambulatory children with CP. Overall revision rates are similar to previous reports for GSFL and other calf lengthening procedures. This information may be useful in setting expectations and counselling families. Younger subjects and those with more severe involvement are more likely to need revision surgery, with these factors compounding the likelihood in the younger GMFCSIII child.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Surgical Management of Foot and Ankle Deformities in Cerebral Palsy

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are at a high risk of developing foot and ankle deformities that can impact function, brace/shoe fit, and seating. The 3 commonly observed foot and ankle segmental malalignment patterns include equinus, planovalgus, and equinovarus. Assessment of foot deformities is multifaceted, requiring the collection and integration of data from a combination of sources that include the clinical history, standardized physical examination, observational and quantitative gait analysis, GMFCS classification, and radiographic findings. Surgical procedures are determined by identifying all segmental malalignments and assessing the contribution of dynamic or flexible soft-tissue imbalance, fixed soft-tissue imbalance, and skeletal deformities.

Effectiveness of Global Optimisation and Direct Kinematics in Predicting Surgical Outcome in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Multibody optimisation approaches have not seen much use in routine clinical applications despite evidence of improvements in modelling through a reduction in soft tissue artifacts compared to the standard gait analysis technique of direct kinematics. To inform clinical use, this study investigated the consistency with which both approaches predicted post-surgical outcomes, using changes in Gait Profile Score (GPS) when compared to a clinical assessment of outcome that did not include the 3D gait data. Retrospective three-dimensional motion capture data were utilised from 34 typically developing children and 26 children with cerebral palsy who underwent femoral derotation osteotomies as part of Single Event Multi-Level Surgeries. Results indicated that while, as expected, the GPS estimated from the two methods were numerically different, they were strongly correlated (Spearman's ρ = 0.93), and no significant differences were observed between their estimations of change in GPS after surgery. The two scores equivalently classified a worsening or improvement in the gait quality in 93% of the cases. When compared with the clinical classification of responders versus non-responders to the intervention, an equivalent performance was found for the two approaches, with 27/41 and 28/41 cases in agreement with the clinical judgement for multibody optimisation and direct kinematics, respectively. With this equivalent performance to the direct kinematics approach and the benefit of being less sensitive to skin artefact and allowing additional analysis such as estimation of musculotendon lengths and joint contact forces, multibody optimisation has the potential to improve the clinical decision-making process in children with cerebral palsy.

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.

Three-Dimensional Gait Analysis in Children Undergoing Gastrocsoleus Lengthening for Equinus Secondary to Cerebral Palsy

Background and Objectives: Equinus is the most common deformity in children with cerebral palsy, and surgical lengthening of the gastrocsoleus muscle-tendon unit is the most commonly performed operation for children with cerebral palsy. Treatment outcomes of orthopaedic surgery can be measured objectively with three-dimensional gait analysis. This study examined the quality of evidence for gastrocsoleus lengthening surgery based on objective measures. Materials and Methods: A search was performed with Medline, Embase and PubMed from 1990 to 25 August 2020 using the keywords "cerebral palsy", "equinus", "surgery" and "gait analysis". Only studies of gastrocsoleus lengthening surgery using three-dimensional gait analysis were included, yielding 34 studies. Results: Fourteen studies reported swing phase kinematics and all studies reported a significant improvement. Rates of recurrent equinus and calcaneus were reported in 21 studies and varied widely based on follow-up period and surgical technique. Conclusions: Poor study quality and marked variability in study samples and interventions made comparison difficult. Future studies should consider prospective design, controls or comparison groups and more detailed breakdowns of outcomes by cerebral palsy subtype, sagittal gait pattern, and equinus type in order to allow more rigorous treatment recommendations to be made.

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.

Orthopedic treatment of the lower limbs in spastic paralysis

Spastic paralysis of the limb mainly results from the central lesion, in which spastic cerebral palsy is the common cause. Due to durative muscle spasm in spastic cerebral palsy, it is often accompanied by the formation of secondary musculoskeletal deformities, resulting in limb motor disability. Based on its pathogenesis, surgical treatment is currently applied: selective posterior rhizotomy (SPR) or orthopedic surgery. The primary purpose of early orthopedic surgery was simply to correct limb deformities, which usually led to the recurrence of deformity as a result of the presence of spasticity. With the application of SPR, high muscle tone was successfully relieved, but limb deformity was still present postoperatively. Therefore, this study aimed to elaborate on the management of orthopedic surgery, common deformities of the lower limb, and orthopedic operative methods; discuss the relationship between SPR and orthopedic procedure for limb deformity; and focus on the indications, timing of intervention, and postoperative outcome of different surgical methods.

Concurrent Validity of the School Outcomes Measure and the School Function Assessment in Elementary Students

PURPOSE

Examine the concurrent validity of the School Outcomes Measure (SOM) and the School Function Assessment (SFA) in students kindergarten through sixth grade.

METHODS

Twenty-four school-based therapists completed the SOM and the SFA for 42 students, representing Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to V.

RESULTS

Correlation coefficients between SOM Self-Care, Mobility, and Assuming Student's Role median total scores and the 21 SFA Activity Performance scale median criterion scores were statistically significant. There were significant correlation coefficients between SOM Expressing Learning and Behavior and SFA median criterion scores. The SOM differentiated between GMFCS groups for all physical tasks but not cognitive/behavioral tasks, and the SFA for half of the physical tasks.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, student performance on the SOM was consistent with participation on the SFA, which lends support to the preliminary validity of the SOM. The GMFCS analysis suggests that the SOM differentiates between the GMFCS levels for physical tasks.

Effective Mechanical Advantage About the Ankle Joint and the Effect of Achilles Tendon Curvature During Toe-Walking

Aim: To study the causes of locomotor dysfunction, estimate muscle forces, or understand the influence of altered sarcomere and muscle properties and behaviours on whole body function, it is necessary to examine the leverage with which contractile forces operate. At the ankle joint, current methods to quantify this leverage for the plantarflexors do not account for curvature of the Achilles tendon, and so may not be appropriate when studying equinus gait. Thus, novel methodologies need to be developed and implemented to quantify the Achilles tendon moment arm length during locomotion. Methods: Plantarflexor internal moment arm length and effective mechanical advantage of 11 typically developed young adults were calculated throughout stance, while heel-toe walking and voluntarily toe-walking on an instrumented treadmill. Achilles tendon moment arm was defined in two-ways: (1) assuming a straight tendon, defined between the gastrocnemius medialis myotendinous junction and Achilles tendon insertion point, and (2) accounting for tendon curvature, by tracking the initial path of the Achilles tendon from the calcaneal insertion. Results: When accounting for tendon curvature, Achilles tendon moment arm length and plantarflexor effective mechanical advantage did not differ between walking conditions (p > 0.05). In contrast, when assuming a straight tendon, Achilles tendon moment arm length (p = 0.043) and plantarflexor effective mechanical advantage (p = 0.007) were significantly greater when voluntary toe-walking than heel-toe walking in late stance. Discussion: Assuming a straight Achilles tendon led to a greater Achilles tendon moment arm length and plantarflexor effective mechanical advantage during late stance, compared to accounting for tendon curvature. Consequently, plantarflexor muscle force would appear smaller when assuming a straight tendon. This could lead to erroneous interpretations of muscular function and fascicle force-length-velocity behaviour in vivo, and potentially inappropriate and ineffective clinical interventions for equinus gait.

State of the Evidence Traffic Lights 2019: Systematic Review of Interventions for Preventing and Treating Children with Cerebral Palsy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability of childhood, but the rate is falling, and severity is lessening. We conducted a systematic overview of best available evidence (2012-2019), appraising evidence using GRADE and the Evidence Alert Traffic Light System and then aggregated the new findings with our previous 2013 findings. This article summarizes the best available evidence interventions for preventing and managing cerebral palsy in 2019.

RECENT FINDINGS

Effective prevention strategies include antenatal corticosteroids, magnesium sulfate, caffeine, and neonatal hypothermia. Effective allied health interventions include acceptance and commitment therapy, action observations, bimanual training, casting, constraint-induced movement therapy, environmental enrichment, fitness training, goal-directed training, hippotherapy, home programs, literacy interventions, mobility training, oral sensorimotor, oral sensorimotor plus electrical stimulation, pressure care, stepping stones triple P, strength training, task-specific training, treadmill training, partial body weight support treadmill training, and weight-bearing. Effective medical and surgical interventions include anti-convulsants, bisphosphonates, botulinum toxin, botulinum toxin plus occupational therapy, botulinum toxin plus casting, diazepam, dentistry, hip surveillance, intrathecal baclofen, scoliosis correction, selective dorsal rhizotomy, and umbilical cord blood cell therapy. We have provided guidance about what works and what does not to inform decision-making, and highlighted areas for more research.

Follow-up of walking quality after end of growth in 28 children with bilateral cerebral palsy

PURPOSE

Assessment of surgical treatments on gait in patients with bilateral cerebral palsy (CP) is often performed in short-term studies. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) on long-term evolution of gait using gait deviation index (GDI) and walking speed.

METHODS

In all, 28 patients with bilateral CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System I to III) with two clinical gait analyses (CGA) were included (mean age: 9.0 years (sd 2.9) at the first CGA, 19.6 years (sd 4.1) at the last, all of them at skeletal maturity). GDI, walking speed and their changes were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed to observe differences between baseline and follow-up CGA. Pearson's correlations were conducted to evaluate the associations between GDI and walking speed changes with: GDI at baseline and walking speed at baseline. GDI and walking speed evolution have been analyzed for two groups of patients: with and without SEMLS.

RESULTS

Regardless of the treatment, GDI was significantly higher at follow-up CGA (baseline: 73.1 (sd 13.1) versus follow-up: 80.1 (sd 13.2); p = 0.014). Significant negative correlations were found between GDI change and GDI at baseline (r = -0.52; p = 0.004) and between walking speed change and walking speed at the baseline (r = -0.70; p < 0.001). Regarding the group of patients with or without SEMLS, only significant improvement of GDI was found for patients with SEMLS (at baseline: 69.0 (sd 12.1) versus follow-up: 77.8 (sd 11.2); p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Analysis at skeletal maturity showed a gait quality maintained for patients without SEMLS and an improvement for patients with SEMLS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

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.

Use of 3D gait analysis as predictor of Achilles tendon lengthening surgery outcomes in children with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND

In children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP), the treatment of equinus foot with Achilles tendon lengthening (ATL) surgery is associated with high incidence of overcorrection, which may result in crouch gait.

AIM

We aimed to assess if gait pattern in preoperative time could be a predictor of the surgery outcome.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional retrospective study.

SETTING

Movement Analysis Lab of IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana Hospital in Rome (Italy).

POPULATION

Eighteen children (mean age 9.6±4.7 years) with spastic diplegia CP who underwent bilateral ATL surgery to correct equinus foot were involved.

METHODS

Participants underwent 3D gait analysis before and approximately 12 months after surgery. Primary measures were spatiotemporal, kinematic (summarized by Gait Variable Scores, GVSs) and kinetic parameters. The gait patterns for each leg was defined from kinematic data, using a quantitative classification: plantar flexor knee extension (PFKE) index. The CP group was split into true equinus and jump gait.

RESULTS

The equinus foot was successfully corrected as demonstrated by the improvement of GVS ankle dorsi-plantarflexion. However, there was a high rate of overcorrection in the true equinus, characterized by increases in knee flexion-extension GVS (8.7° pre vs. 16.7° post P<0.05) and knee flexion angle at initial contact (5.2° vs. 20.6° P<0.05) and by a decrease in the maximum ankle power generated at push-off (1.49 vs. 0.83 W/kg P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Assessment of motor phenotype in preoperative time are good predictors of the results of ATL surgery. In children with true equinus gait, the increase of knee flexion subsequent to ATL is an early indicator that this technique will lead to crouch gait. These results show the influence of true equinus and jump gait patterns on the outcomes of the ATL.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

Therefore, we propose that this approach could have clinical value to evaluate and prescribe rehabilitation in children with CP disease, proposing different solutions depending on motor phenotype.

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.

Impact of multilevel joint contractures of the hips, knees and ankles on the Gait Profile score in children with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND

Children with cerebral palsy are at risk of developing muscle contractures, often contributing to pain, structural deformities and mobility limitations. With the increasing use of gait indices to summarise the findings of three dimensional gait analysis (3DGA), the purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a relationship between multilevel joint contractures and the Gait Profile Score in children with cerebral palsy.

METHODS

The Gait Profile Score, calculated from 3D gait analysis, and passive range of motion, strength and spasticity of the hips, knees and ankles in the sagittal plane were measured in 145 children with cerebral palsy (mean age:11 years,4 months; SD:2 years,10 months) (83 males) enrolled in the NSW Paediatric Gait Analysis Service Research Registry from 2011 to 2016. The relationships between these physical measures and the Gait Profile Score were explored using bivariate and multivariate correlations.

FINDINGS

Reduced hip extension, knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion (knee extended) range of motion were correlated with a higher (worse) Gait Profile Score (r = -0.348 to -0.466, p < .001). Children with all joints contracted had a significantly higher Gait Profile Score (mean 17.5°, SD 6.2°) than those with no contractures (mean 11.0°, SD 2.3°) or ankle contractures only (mean 12.8°, SD 5.1°) (p < .05). Knee flexion weakness, reduced hip extension and ankle dorsiflexion (knee extended) range of motion predicted 47% of the Gait Profile Score.

INTERPRETATION

The Gait Profile Score is a sensitive measure for demonstrating the relationship between multilevel sagittal plane joint contractures and kinematic gait. Clinically, this supports the use of the Gait Profile Score as a simplified measure to understand the contribution of contractures to functional gait limitations. Monitoring knee flexion strength, and hip extension and ankle dorsiflexion (knee extended) range of motion may assist clinicians in prioritising interventions to improve gait in this population.

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.

What's New in the Management of Foot Deformities in Children With Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND

Foot deformities have been frequently reported in cerebral palsy (CP), and numerous diagnostic modalities and treatment options have recently been developed to achieve a better level of management for children with CP.

METHODS

A thorough search of the English literature, published between January 2013 and March 2016, was performed. A summary of the new findings that had not previously described was reported. The review included recent advances regarding clinical and gait evaluation, orthotic management, botulinum toxin A treatment, and surgical correction.

RESULTS

The review summarized new findings reported in 46 articles and abstracts that were published between January 2013 and March 2016. Older articles were included and cited when an original description was mentioned, or when a change or development of some findings was discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Foot deformity forms an essential part of evaluating children with CP. Dramatic advances have been achieved in gait assessment, conservative management, and surgical correction. Promising results have been reported with the goal to reach a higher level of orthopaedic care and optimize the functional potentials for children with CP.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-literature review.

Long-term follow-up after tibialis anterior tendon shortening in combination with Achilles tendon lengthening in spastic equinus in cerebral palsy

Using Tibialis Anterior Shortening (TATS) in combination with Achilles Tendon Lengthening (TAL) to treat spastic equinus in children with cerebral palsy (CP) was described in 2011. Short-term results have indicated a good outcome, especially an improvement of the drop foot in swing phase and the correction of equinus in stance phase. The aim of this study was to analyse the results of the long-term follow-up and to determine the relapse rate of TATS and TAL. The kinematics of the sagittal, frontal and transversal planes were measured by using instrumented 3D gait analysis at three defined time points and then described using the Gait Profile Score (GPS) and Movement Analysis Profile (MAP). The data was exported into Gaitabase and then the preoperative (T0), short- term (T1) and long-term (T2) follow-up data was statistically compared. 23 patients (mean age at index-surgery=14.9years) were included, there was a mean follow-up time of 5.8 years. 3 children (13%) have shown a relapse. The data of 12 children with spastic hemiplegia (12 legs), as well as 8 children with spastic diplegia (10 legs) has been analysed. There has been a significant (p<0.05) improvement in GPS and MAP for ankle dorsiflexion (describes equinus and drop foot) of the operated legs versus not operated legs. TATS in combination with TAL shows a satisfactory long-term result after 5.8 years in the correction of fixed equinus and drop foot in children with CP. Postoperatively all subjects were able to walk without an AFO.

Abnormality of standing posture improves in patients with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy following lower limb surgery

OBJECTIVES

The degree of abnormality of the gait pattern of children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP) can be reduced by lower limb orthopaedic surgery. However, little attention is paid to the effects of surgery on standing posture. Here, we investigated the abnormality of standing posture in young people with BSCP as well as the effects of surgery on standing posture.

METHODS

We have developed an index of standing posture, the Standing Posture Score (SPS), which is similar in composition to the gait profile score (GPS). We applied SPS retrospectively to 32 typically developing children and 85 children with BSCP before and after surgery to the lower limbs aimed at improving gait. We investigated the relationship between SPS and GPS before surgery and also the relationship between changes in these variables before and after surgery.

RESULTS

SPS is significantly higher in young people with BSCP. SPS reduces after surgery and this reduction is correlated with the reduction in GPS.

INTERPRETATION

Successful surgery improves the alignment of the lower limbs in BSCP in standing and may have a positive impact on the activities of daily living which depend on a stable and efficient standing posture.

The Effect of Body Mass Index on Postoperative Morbidity After Orthopaedic Surgery in Children With Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND

Although a plethora of literature exists on the impact of body mass index (BMI) in orthopaedic surgery, few have examined its implications in the pediatric cerebral palsy (CP) population. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of BMI class on 30-day complications after orthopaedic surgery on children with CP.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Pediatric participant use files from 2012 to 2013 was conducted. Patients with a diagnosis of CP undergoing any orthopaedic procedure were included and subclassified according to BMI classes: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to evaluate the independent effect of BMI class on total, surgical site, and medical complications as well as unplanned reoperations.

RESULTS

A total of 1746 patients were included in our study. These included 345 (19.8%) underweight, 952 (54.5%) normal weight, 209 (12.8%) overweight, and 240 (13.7%) obese children and adolescents. In hip and lower extremity osteotomies, underweight class was an independent risk factor for total complications (P=0.037) and medical complications (P=0.031). Similarly, underweight class was a risk factor for total complications (P=0.022) and medical complications (P=0.019) in spine procedures. Weight class was not independently associated with complications in tendon procedures. Overweight and obesity classes were not associated with any independent increased risk for complications.

CONCLUSIONS

With respect to the pediatric CP population, underweight status was deemed an independent predictor of increased complications in osteotomies and spine surgery with no independent increased risk in the overweight or obese cohorts. This information can greatly aid providers with risk stratification, preoperative counseling, and postoperative monitoring as it relates to orthopaedic surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-Prognostic.

Endoscopic Recession of the Gastrocnemius Tendon

Gastrocnemius contracture is a common condition associated with painful overload symptoms in the forefoot and midfoot. Multiple techniques have been described for the recession of gastrocnemius tendon in patients who failed nonsurgical treatment. We present an endoscopic recession technique for the release of the gastrocnemius tendon just distal to the level of the musculotendinous junction as a minimally invasive operative option. This technique aims to decrease wound complications, unsightly scar, overlengthening, and postoperative pain, while having versatility for performing with supine or prone positioning.

Equinus and Lengthening Techniques

Equinus is linked to most lower extremity biomechanically related disorders. Defining equinus as ankle joint dorsiflexion less than 5° of dorsiflexion with the knee extended is the basis for evaluation and management of the deformity. Consistent evaluation methodology using a goniometer with the subtalar joint in neutral position and midtarsal joint supinated while dorsiflexing the ankle with knee extended provides a consistent clinical examination. For equinus deformity with an associated disorder, comprehensive treatment mandates treatment of the equinus deformity. Surgical treatment of equinus offers multiple procedures but the Baumann gastrocnemius recession is preferred based on deformity correction without weakness.

Does unilateral single-event multilevel surgery improve gait in children with spastic hemiplegia? A retrospective analysis of a long-term follow-up

Single event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) has become a standard intervention for children with cerebral palsy (CP). SEMLS proved to improve the gait in bilateral spastic cerebral palsy and those improvements can be maintained in the long term. However there is no evidence on the long-term outcome of unilateral SEMLS in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy. The gait analyses and clinical data of 14 children (9 male/5 female, mean age 12.1) with unilateral CP (6 children Gross Motor Function Classification System Scale level I and 8 children level II) were retrospectively reviewed at four time-points: preoperatively, 1year, 3-5 years and approximately 10 years after unilateral SEMLS. The Gait Profile Score (GPS) of the affected leg was used as a main and the number of fine tuning procedures as well as complications rate (Clavien-Dindo classification) as secondary outcome measures. The gait improved postoperatively and the GPS of the affected leg significantly declined by 3.73° which is well above the minimal clinical important difference of 1.6°. No deterioration of GPS occurred throughout the follow-up period. Therefore the postoperative improvement was maintained long-term. However, additional fine-tuning procedures had to be performed during the follow-up in 5 children and three complications occurred (one level II and two level III). The results indicate that children with unilateral cerebral palsy benefit from unilateral SEMLS and maintain gait improvements long-term.

Gait analysis in children with cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) children present complex and heterogeneous motor disorders that cause gait deviations.

Clinical gait analysis (CGA) is needed to identify, understand and support the management of gait deviations in CP. CGA assesses a large amount of quantitative data concerning patients’ gait characteristics, such as video, kinematics, kinetics, electromyography and plantar pressure data.

Common gait deviations in CP can be grouped into the gait patterns of spastic hemiplegia (drop foot, equinus with different knee positions) and spastic diplegia (true equinus, jump, apparent equinus and crouch) to facilitate communication. However, gait deviations in CP tend to be a continuum of deviations rather than well delineated groups. To interpret CGA, it is necessary to link gait deviations to clinical impairments and to distinguish primary gait deviations from compensatory strategies.

CGA does not tell us how to treat a CP patient, but can provide objective identification of gait deviations and further the understanding of gait deviations. Numerous treatment options are available to manage gait deviations in CP. Generally, treatments strive to limit secondary deformations, re-establish the lever arm function and preserve muscle strength.

Additional roles of CGA are to better understand the effects of treatments on gait deviations.

Cite this article: Armand S, Decoulon G, Bonnefoy-Mazure A. Gait analysis in children with cerebral palsy. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:448-460. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000052.

Ability of PROMIS Pediatric Measures to Detect Change in Children With Cerebral Palsy Undergoing Musculoskeletal Surgery

BACKGROUND

The Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) was developed to provide patient-reported outcome measures that are designed as being universally relevant across health conditions, low burden, and precise. A major problem for research and clinical practice in cerebral palsy (CP) is the void of outcomes instruments that are capable of evaluating the wide range of abilities and broad age spectrum inherent in this clinical population. Given the tremendous potential of PROMIS, the research questions for this study were "How do PROMIS pediatric computer adaptive tests and short forms detect change in children with CP following elective musculoskeletal surgery?" and "How do PROMIS instruments compare to the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Cerebral Palsy Module Version 3.0 (PedsQL CP), Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI), the Timed Up and Go (TUG), and the Gross Motor Functional Measure (GMFM)."

METHODS

PROMIS Pediatric computer adaptive tests and short forms and the PedsQL, PODCI, TUG, and GMFM were administered before and after surgery. Effect size (ES) and standardized response mean (SRM) were calculated. Floor and ceiling effects were evaluated and, exposure rates for the PROMIS item banks were examined.

RESULTS

ES and SRM for all PROMIS Pediatric Measures were nonsignificant. PedsQL CP detected significant, positive change in mobility at 6 (ES=0.26; SRM=0.31) and 12 (ES=0.36; SRM=0.36) months; pain at 12 months (ES=0.29; SRM=0.34); and fatigue at 6 (ES=0.24; SRM=0.22) and 12 (ES=0.36; SRM=0.41) months. Significant negative changes were detected by the PODCI (ES=-0.20; SRM=-0.26), GMFM (ES=-0.13; SRM=-0.24), and TUG (ES=-0.29; SRM=-0.25). Ceiling effects were high. Exposure to an appropriate range of the PROMIS Mobility item bank was limited.

CONCLUSIONS

PROMIS measures were less able to detect change than other measures. PROMIS measures may be improved by tailoring start/stop rules or by adding items to include content appropriate for children with mobility impairments.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-diagnostic study.

Comparison of single event vs multiple event soft tissue surgeries in the lower extremities with cerebral palsy

In children with spasticity of multiple muscle groups, the need for repeat surgical interventions increases with advancing age.

AIM

The present study aimed to investigate retrospectively whether there are any clinical and functional differences between single-event multilevel surgeries and multiple surgical events at a single level.

METHOD

The medical records of 109 patients with cerebral palsy (CP) were used. The patients, who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were assigned into following 4 groups based on the surgical procedures. The Gross Motor Function measure-88 (GMFCS) and Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) were used for assessments.

RESULTS

When compared to groups, there was no significant difference. This study showed that both surgical techniques resulted in improvements in GMFCS and WeeFIM levels.

Long-term outcomes after multilevel surgery including rectus femoris, hamstring and gastrocnemius procedures in children with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Multilevel surgical intervention is a common approach for the correction of gait abnormalities in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The short-term outcomes for the combination of rectus femoris transfer, hamstring lengthening and gastrocnemius lengthening have been well documented using three-dimensional motion analysis. However, the impact of time, growth, and puberty on these short-term outcomes of this combination of procedures is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of these procedures on gait in patients with CP.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients underwent rectus femoris transfers, medial hamstring lengthenings and gastrocnemius lengthenings in combination with a selection of other soft tissue and/or bony procedures of the lower limb. All patients had a pre-operative motion analysis and post-operative analysis one and 11 years following surgery.

RESULTS

Significant changes in both clinical and gait variables from pre to 1 year post surgery confirmed the short-term gait benefits of this combination of surgical procedures. Long-term follow-up data indicated that the passive range of motion gains noted 1 year after surgery were lost at the knee and ankle. However, the improvements in ankle dorsiflexion and knee extension at initial contact were maintained over 11 years. As well, peak ankle dorsiflexion in stance was maintained and peak ankle plantar flexor moments and powers did not show declines long-term. Peak knee flexion showed a decline over the long-term, however, the timing of peak knee flexion in swing was maintained.

CONCLUSION

When compared to declines in gait kinematics in persons with CP without surgery, these results demonstrate the possible long-term benefits of surgical intervention.

Epidural Baclofen for the Management of Postoperative Pain in Children With Cerebral Palsy

INTRODUCTION

Children with cerebral palsy undergoing soft tissue and bony procedures often experience pain and spasticity postoperatively. Differentiation of pain from spasticity complicates management, so controlling spasticity with a continuous infusion of baclofen, an antispasmodic, through an already present indwelling epidural catheter holds interest.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of patients with cerebral palsy undergoing single event, multilevel lower extremity surgery at a single institution who received epidural analgesia with or without continuous baclofen infusion. Primary outcomes included need for supplemental narcotic analgesics and benzodiazepines postoperatively. Duration of hospitalization, pain scores, and complications were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients were identified, ranging in age from 3 to 17 years, 19 of whom received epidural baclofen. No differences were found in use of supplemental narcotic analgesia, benzodiazepines, or duration of hospitalization. Differences in pain scores were not statistically significant (0.82±0.95 for baclofen vs. 1.48±0.99 for controls) (P=0.391). Mean arterial pressure was lower in patients receiving baclofen (P=0.004). No potential side effects attributable to baclofen were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous epidural baclofen infusion seems unlikely to alter the pain-spasm cycle experienced by patients with cerebral palsy following orthopaedic surgery to a clinically significant degree. More effective, and cost-effective, measures at assessing and controlling pain and muscle spasm should be explored to benefit cerebral palsy patients postoperatively.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-therapeutic study.

The transverse Vulpius gastrocsoleus recession for equinus gait in children with cerebral palsy

We report the results of Vulpius transverse gastrocsoleus recession for equinus gait in 26 children with cerebral palsy (CP), using the Gait Profile Score (GPS), Gait Variable Scores (GVS) and movement analysis profile. All children had an equinus deformity on physical examination and equinus gait on three-dimensional gait analysis prior to surgery. The pre-operative and post-operative GPS and GVS were statistically analysed. There were 20 boys and 6 girls in the study cohort with a mean age at surgery of 9.2 years (5.1 to 17.7) and 11.5 years (7.3 to 20.8) at follow-up. Of the 26 children, 14 had spastic diplegia and 12 spastic hemiplegia. Gait function improved for the cohort, confirmed by a decrease in mean GPS from 13.4° pre-operatively to 9.0° final review (p < 0.001). The change was 2.8 times the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Thus the improvements in gait were both clinically and statistically significant. The transverse gastrocsoleus recession described by Vulpius is an effective procedure for equinus gait in selected children with CP, when there is a fixed contracture of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles.

Foot deformities in children with cerebral palsy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The present article describes common foot deformities in children with cerebral palsy and discusses treatment options for each of those deformities.

RECENT FINDINGS

Bracing is a useful treatment to correct foot deformities during gait. Surgical correction of foot deformities is typically performed as a part of multilevel single-event gait improvement surgery that has increasingly become the standard of care for ambulatory children with cerebral palsy. Foot realignment may improve knee function during stance, probably because of change of lever arm.

SUMMARY

Foot deformities are common among children with cerebral palsy. The three most common among them are equinus, planovalgus and equinovarus/equinocavovarus. Treatment consists of orthotics, physical therapy, spasticity reduction treatment and surgical correction. Guidelines for treatment are individualized and multifactorial. Important considerations include the child's level of function, the severity and flexibility of the deformity, the presence or absence of pain and skin irritation, and the changes in alignment observed over time.

Gastrocsoleus recession techniques

Lengthening of the conjoined tendon of the gastrocnemius aponeurosis and soleus fascia is frequently used in the treatment of equinus deformities in children and adults. The Vulpius procedure as described in most orthopaedic texts is a division of the conjoined tendon in the shape of an inverted V. However, transverse division was also described by Vulpius and Stoffel, and has been reported in some clinical studies.

We studied the anatomy and biomechanics of transverse division of the conjoined tendon in 12 human cadavers (24 legs). Transverse division of the conjoined tendon resulted in predictable, controlled lengthening of the gastrocsoleus muscle-tendon unit. The lengthening achieved was dependent both on the level of the cut in the conjoined tendon and division of the midline raphé. Division at a proximal level resulted in a mean lengthening of 15.2 mm (sd 2.0, (12 to 19), which increased to 17.1 mm (sd 1.8, (14 to 20) after division of the midline raphé. Division at a distal level resulted in a mean lengthening of 21.0 mm (sd 2.0, (18 to 25), which increased to 26.4 mm (sd 1.4, (24 to 29) after division of the raphé. These differences were significant (p < 0.001).

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:778–82.

Effects of gastrocnemius fascia lengthening on gait pattern in children with cerebral palsy using the gait profile score

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of the GPS regarding the quantification of changes in gait following the gastrocnemius fascia lengthening in children with CP. Nineteen children with CP were selected and evaluated in the preoperative period (PRE session) and approximately one year postoperatively (POST session; mean 13.1 ± 5.1 months) using 3D gait analysis and computing the GPS and GVSs. As the GPS represents the difference between the patient's data and the average from the reference dataset, the higher the value of GPS is, more compromised gait of the subject. A statistically significant improvement in mean GPS was found in the POST session (PRE: 13.38 ± 5°; POST: 10.26 ± 2.41°; p<0.05), with an improvement close to 23%. Moreover, the GVSs demonstrated statistically significant improvements in ankle dorsi-plantarflexion (PRE: 22.20 ± 16.36°; POST: 11.50 ± 6.57°; p<0.05) and pelvic rotation (PRE: 9.53 ± 3.87°; POST: 6.47 ± 2.98°; p<0.05). A strong correlation (r=0.75; p<0.05) was found between the preoperative GPS and the percentage of GPS improvement. The results demonstrated that the gastrocnemius fascia lengthening produced a global gait pattern improvement, as showed by the GPS value, which decreased after surgery. Besides this, the GVS permitted to better evidence the joints more compromised by the pathology and their improvement due to the surgery, in this case not only the GVS of the ankle joint but also of the pelvis were characterized by higher GVS values.

Reproducibility of an instrumented measure for passive ankle dorsiflexion in conscious and anaesthetized children with cerebral palsy

AIM

The aims of this study were to (1) determine whether an instrumented measure will reduce measurement error to less than 5° in children with cerebral palsy (CP), (2) determine agreement and reliability of this instrumented measure in both conscious and anaesthetized participants, and (3) compare the method with previously reported measures.

METHOD

Thirty-four ambulant children (15 males, 19 females), aged 3 to 9 years, with spastic CP were studied in a tertiary-care paediatric hospital (21 with hemiplegia, 11 with diplegia, and two with quadriplegia). The majority of children functioned at Gross Motor Function Classification System level I (n=11) or II (n=18), with five children at level III. Ankle dorsiflexion at 50% bodyweight was photographed and measured. Each child was measured when conscious and when under mask anaesthesia by two experienced assessors.

RESULTS

The standard error of measurement (SEM) ranged from 3.9° (anaesthetized; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.3-4.0°) to 6.7° (conscious; 95% CI 5.3-8.0°). This compared favourably with previously reported dorsiflexion measures (SEM range 6.5-7.8°) in conscious children with CP. Intrarater reliability was good in both conditions (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]: range 0.95 [anaesthetized; 95% CI 0.92-0.98] to 0.86 [conscious; 95% CI 0.76-0.95]). The ICC for interrater reliability ranged from 0.87 (anaesthetized; 95% CI 0.81-0.93) to 0.65 (conscious; 95% CI 0.50-0.81).

INTERPRETATION

Passive ankle dorsiflexion using an instrumented measure has face validity and may assist in the improvement of reproducibility under anaesthesia for clinical research. When an individual is conscious, this technique is not better than trained assessors using conventional goniometry reported in the literature and is not recommended for routine clinical use.

Summary measures for clinical gait analysis: a literature review

Instrumented 3D-gait analysis (3D-GA) is an important method used to obtain information that is crucial for establishing the level of functional limitation due to pathology, observing its evolution over time and evaluating rehabilitative intervention effects. However, a typical 3D-GA evaluation produces a vast amount of data, and despite its objectivity, its use is complicated, and the data interpretation is difficult. It is even more difficult to obtain an overview on patient cohorts for a comparison. Moreover, there is a growing awareness of the need for a concise index, specifically, a single measure of the 'quality' of a particular gait pattern. Several gait summary measures, which have been used in conjunction with 3D-GA, have been proposed to objectify clinical impression, quantify the degree of gait deviation from normal, stratify the severity of pathology, document the changes in gait patterns over time and evaluate interventions.