The long-term effects of aggressive spasticity reducing treatment, including selective dorsal rhizotomy, on joint kinematic outcomes of persons with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) creates a large and permanent reduction of spasticity for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Previous SDR outcomes studies have generally lacked appropriate control groups, had limited sample sizes, or reported short-term follow-up, limiting evidence for improvement in long-term gait function. RESEARCH QUESTION: Does aggressive spasticity management for individuals with CP improve long-term gait kinematics (discrete joint kinematics) compared to a control group of individuals with CP with minimal spasticity management? METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis - focused on joint-level kinematics - of a previous study evaluating the long-term outcomes of SDR. Two groups of participants were recruited based on a retrospectively completed baseline clinical gait study. One group received aggressive spasticity treatment including a selective dorsal rhizotomy (Yes-SDR group), while the other group had minimal spasticity management (No-SDR group). Both groups had orthopedic surgery treatment. Groups were matched on baseline spasticity. All participants prospectively returned for a follow-up gait study in young adulthood (greater than 21 years of age and at least 10 years after baseline). Change scores in discrete kinematic variables from baseline to follow-up were assessed using a linear model that included treatment arm (Yes-SDR, No-SDR), baseline age, and baseline kinematic value. For treatment arm, 5° and 5 Gait Deviation Index points were selected as thresholds to be considered a meaningful difference between treatment groups. RESULTS: At follow-up, there were no meaningful differences in pelvis, hip, knee, or ankle kinematic variable changes between treatment arms. Max knee flexion - swing showed a moderate treatment effect for Yes-SDR, although it did not reach the defined threshold. SIGNIFICANCE: Aggressive spasticity treatment does not result in meaningful differences in gait kinematics for persons with cerebral palsy in young adulthood compared to minimal spasticity management with both groups having orthopedic surgery.

Definition of hip displacement and dislocation by acetabular dysplasia in children with cerebral palsy.

Purpose: The acetabulum interacts with the femoral head in daily activities and may exhibit structural changes in the presence of hip disorders. This study aims to redefine hip disorders in children with cerebral palsy by structural characteristics of the acetabulum in relation to the degree of the migration percentage. Methods: The clinical and radiographic data of 70 patients (36 males, 34 females; mean age 8.2 years) with spastic cerebral palsy were retrospectively analyzed. The acetabular structure was measured by the acetabular index on reconstructed three-dimensional computerized tomography for precision of measurement. Any significant change in acetabular index measured on the reconstructive computerized tomography related to every 10% increment of migration percentage was regarded as clinically significant in hip disorders. Results: The acetabular index measured on the reconstructive computerized tomography showed an increasing trend with the increment of migration percentage. The most significant acetabular index measured on the reconstructive computerized tomography change occurred between the 20%-29% and 30%-39% migration percentage groups (p < 0.001), suggesting that a migration percentage of 30% is the starting point of hip disorder. A significant increase in the posterolateral acetabular index measured on the reconstructive computerized tomography occurred in migration percentages >50%, indicating posterolateral acetabular dysplasia. Hips with migration percentages from 80% to 100% had consistent acetabular indexes measured on the reconstructive computerized tomography values, suggesting complete dislocation and no more contact and interaction between the femoral head and acetabular fossa. Conclusion: Structural characteristics in the acetabulum reflect hip dysfunction and potentially classify hip disorders. Results suggest the migration percentage 30% as a starting point of hip disorder and 80% as a turning point of hip dislocation in children with cerebral palsy. Level of evidence: level IV, diagnostic study.

A Sonography-based Decision Model for Use in Treatment of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip.

The objective of this study was to delineate a model for management of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) treatment that incorporates hip ultrasound with objective/predicative parameters at key decision-making times. Hip sonograms of 74 infants (59 females, 15 males; 141 hips) with DDH were retrospectively reviewed. Hip sonographic score (HSS; ranges 0-10) was developed to reflect hip status based on sonographic position, stability, and morphology. Analysis on different management groups (i.e., no treatment, successful treatment, and failed treatment) showed that the trend of HSS is helpful in predicting course of the disease and determining effectiveness of treatment. A model for the management of DDH that utilizes an HSS and frequency schedule for hip sonography that is aligned with times of critical treatment decisions is proposed. This model illustrates how hip sonography can bring added value when timed to guide critical treatment decisions. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 32(1):047-054, 2023).

Recurrent hip instability after hip reconstruction in cerebral palsy children with spastic hip disease.

BACKGROUND: Migration percentage (MP) is widely used to evaluate hip stability in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Orthopedic surgeons need more objective information to make a proper hip reconstruction surgical plan and predict the outcome. METHODS: Medical records and plain radiographs of children with CP who underwent the hip reconstruction procedure for dysplasia were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: In total, 253 operated hips (140 patients; 11.7 ± 3.3 years old) were included in this study. MP at pre-operative (Tpre) was 35.3 ± 22.5%; at immediate follow-up (Tpost) was 5.9 ± 9.5%; at last follow-up (Tfinal) was 9.8 ± 10.8% (4.5 ± 2.3 years post-operative at age 16.3 ± 2.8 years). In hips with Melbourne Cerebral Palsy Hip Classification Scale (MCPHCS) grade 3 (n = 78), around 30-45% had an unsatisfactory outcome at Tpost and Tfinal. However, hips categorized as other grades showed only 2.1-9.1% of unsatisfactory outcome. In less affected hips (pre-operative MP<30%, n = 122), 109 hips (89.3%) had varus derotation osteotomy only, the other 13 hips (10.7%) were combined with a pelvic osteotomy. In more severely affected hips (pre-operative MP ≥ 30%, n = 131), 26 hips (19.8%) had varus derotation osteotomy only, the other 105 hips (80.2%) were combined with a pelvic osteotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Hips with pre-operative MP between 15 and 29% (MCPHCS grades 3) can be a higher risk group of recurrent hip instability after hip reconstruction surgery. Multiple indications beyond MP should be considered when indicating pelvic osteotomy or hip muscle release as combined procedures with varus femoral osteotomy for hip reconstruction in this milder group to achieve a consistent long-term satisfactory outcome.

Long-term effects of spasticity treatment, including selective dorsal rhizotomy, for individuals with cerebral palsy.

AIM: To understand the long-term effects of comprehensive spasticity treatment, including selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR), on individuals with spastic cerebral palsy. METHOD: This was a pre-registered, multicenter, retrospectively matched cohort study. Children were matched on age range and spasticity at baseline. Children at one center underwent spasticity treatment including SDR (Yes-SDR, n=35) and antispastic injections. Children at two other centers had no SDR (No-SDR, n=40 total) and limited antispastic injections. All underwent subsequent orthopedic treatment. Participants returned for comprehensive long-term assessment (age ≥21y, follow-up ≥10y). Assessment included spasticity, contracture, bony alignment, strength, gait, walking energy, function, pain, stiffness, participation, and quality of life. RESULTS: Spasticity was effectively reduced at long-term assessment in the Yes-SDR group and was unchanged in the No-SDR group. There were no meaningful differences between the groups in any measure except the Gait Deviation Index (Yes-SDR + 11 vs No-SDR + 5) and walking speed (Yes-SDR unchanged, No-SDR declined 25%). The Yes-SDR group underwent more subsequent orthopedic surgery (11.9 vs 9.7 per individual) and antispastic injections to the lower limbs (14.4 vs <3, by design). INTERPRETATION: Untreated spasticity does not cause meaningful impairments in young adulthood at the level of pathophysiology, function, or quality of life.

The influence of preoperative knee flexion contracture severity on short-term outcome of orthopedic surgery in ambulatory children with bilateral cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Indications and cutoff value of deformities to determine surgical procedures for flexed knee gait are not clear. The aim was to determine the influence of none or mild, and moderate preoperative knee flexion contracture on the improvement of gait after orthopedic surgery in children with bilateral cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: Inclusion criteria; bilateral CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System level I-III, and pre- and post operative-gait analysis. The 132 individuals identified were categorized into 2 groups based on the severity of knee flexion contracture (group 1: none or less than 11°; group 2: greater than or equal to 11°), and then matched according to the exact same soft tissue and/or bony orthopedic surgical procedures performed. The indication for surgery was to prevent progressive development of knee flexion contracture and stance phase flexed knee gait. Pre- and postoperative physical examination and gait analysis data were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Sixty (30 + 30) children, with mean age 10.6 years in each group, were included. The average follow-up time was 17 months. Gait Deviation Index (GDI) improved in group 1 from mean 66 (SD 19) to 74 (15), p = 0.004, and in group 2 from 60 (13) to 69 (15), p = 0.001. Knee flexion in stance improved in group 1 from 21.4 (16.1) to 12.1 (16.0) degrees, p = 0.002, and in group 2 from 32.2 (14.2) to 17.0 (15.9), p = 0.001. Step length improved in both groups, p = 0.017 and p = 0.008, respectively. Only in group 2 significant improvement was noted in walking speed, p = 0.018 and standing function, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-D), p = 0.001. Knee flexion contracture decreased in group 1 from mean 4.6 (5.3) to 2.1 (8.3) degrees, p = 0.071 and in group 2 from 17.2 (4.9) to 9.6 (9.3), p = 0.001. There was no statistical difference between groups in pre-post improvement of GDI or other variables, except GMFM-D. CONCLUSIONS: Relative mild to moderate preoperative knee flexion contracture does not influence the short-term improvement of gait after orthopedic surgery in children with bilateral CP.

Patchy increased echogenicity: a sonographic sign of femoral head necrosis following reduction and casting for developmental dysplasia of the hip.

A developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) case treated by closed reduction and casting and subsequently confirmed to have avascular necrosis (AVN) was retrospectively noted to have an abnormal pattern of echogenicity in the femoral head on sonograms obtained within 1.5 months of surgery. Patchy increased echogenicity in parts of the unossified cartilage replaced the normal pattern of central coalescence of vessels described with development of the ossification center. An additional case with similar findings confirms this should be considered a sign of evolving AVN following closed reduction.

Knee Deformities in Children With Down Syndrome: A Focus on Knee Malalignment.

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral instability (PFI) has been the most reported knee abnormality in people with Down syndrome. Other reported knee abnormalities have been associated with PFI and different management approaches have been described with variable outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe the anatomic variations of the knee in children with Down syndrome. A comparison between knees with and without PFI was performed and our experience in treating knee abnormalities in Down syndrome was also reported. METHODS: Records of all children with Down syndrome were reviewed. Two groups were identified (knees with and without PFI). Radiographic measurements included the mechanical and anatomic lateral distal femoral angles, medial proximal tibial angle, angle of depression of medial tibial plateau, lateral tibial translation, and distal femoral physis-joint angle. On the lateral view, Insall-Salvati and Blackburne-Peel ratios were measured. The sulcus angle was measured on the tangential view. Measurements were compared between the 2 groups (with and without PFI).Knees with PFI were divided into 3 subgroups based on their treatment (group A: surgical valgus correction, group B: surgical soft tissue procedures for PFI, and group C: conservative treatment). Preoperative radiographs were used for the surgical group and last available radiographs were used for the conservative group. Clinical and radiographic data were compared between the groups. For groups A and B, clinical and radiographic data were also compared between preoperative and last visits. RESULTS: Of the 581 children with Down syndrome, 5% (31 children: 22 females, 9 males) had PFI in 56 knees. Mean age at diagnosis was 11.5±3.5 years. Of the remaining 550 children, 75 children had radiographs for 130 knees. Knees with PFI had significantly more valgus and a larger distal femoral physis-joint angle. Depression of the medial tibial plateau and lateral tibial translation were noted in knees with PFI. Insall-Salvati ratio was higher and the sulcus angle was larger in the PFI group.Of the 56 knees with PFI; 10 knees were in group A, 11 knees in group B, 33 knees in group C, and the remaining 2 knees had combined procedures. Preoperative mechanical and anatomic lateral distal femoral angles were smaller in group A than in group B or C. Grades of PFI improved in group B after surgery. This improvement was not noted in group A. CONCLUSIONS: In children with Down syndrome, different variations of the knee anatomy can be found. Although PFI might be the most evident knee abnormality, other underlying deformities are common. Treatment of the PFI should be planned through a comprehensive anatomic approach that addresses all aspects of knee deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-prognostic and therapeutic study.

The influence of an external breast prosthesis on the posture of women after mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: Previous literatures showed no evidence that wearing an external breast prosthesis may prevent changes in body posture in women who underwent mastectomy. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the weight of an external breast prosthesis can contribute to posture changes in women post mastectomy. METHODS: Fifty-one women with unilateral mastectomy (age 58 ± 11.39 years) were divided into 2 subgroups by their operation side. Asymmetry of body posture was evaluated by using the electromyography activity of erector spinae muscles with four different weights of breast prosthesis. RESULTS: Despite the operation side, the erector spinae muscle activities on the operation side and non-operation side were significantly different. Overall, for patients who had operation on the left side, their erector spinae muscle activity imbalance will be smaller, compared to the imbalance among patients with right operation side. The weight of the external breast prosthesis did not influence the differences of erector spinae muscle activities on the operation side and non-operation side. CONCLUSIONS: The weight of an external breast prosthesis for women after mastectomy may not be crucial when choosing a proper prosthesis.

An accurate method of radiological assessment of acetabular volume and orientation in computed tomography spatial reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Two-dimensional (2D) measurements of acetabular morphology and orientation are well known; there is less information on these acetabular characteristics in three dimensions. One important reason is the lack of standardized reference planes for the pelvis, especially in relation to the spinopelvic unit; another is that no method precisely assesses the acetabulum in three-dimensional (3D) orientation based on its axis rather than on the directions of the edges of the acetabular rim. We present an objective, highly reliable and accurate, axis-based approach to acetabular anthropometry in the measurement of acetabular volume and spatial orientation in both normal and pathologic hips. This was done using reference planes based on the sacral base (SB) and true acetabular axis in 3D computed tomography (CT) pelvic reconstruction. METHODS: Radiological examinations of 30 physiologic pelves (60 acetabula) were included in the study. Reliability and accuracy of the method were verified by comparing acetabular angles in 2D pelvic scans with 3D reconstructions. We also applied the method to two pathologic acetabula. RESULTS: Comparison of axis position in the horizontal plane revealed significant positive correlations between 2D angle measurements (acetabular anteversion angle [AAA] and anterior acetabular index [AAI]) and 3D measurement of anteversion angle (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively). In the frontal plane, there was no difference between abduction angle, measured on topogram, and inclination angle, obtained from a 3D model (p = 0.517). In the sagittal plane, there was a significant negative correlation between AAA and acetabular tilt (p < 0.001). Inter- and intra-observer reproducibility was excellent for determination of the sacral-base plane and assessment of volume, with Fleiss κ coefficients of 0.850 and 0.783, respectively, and intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.900 and 0.950, respectively. Inter-observer reproducibility for evaluation of acetabular axis ranged from 0.783 to 0.883, and intra-rater reliability ranged from 0.850 to 0.900 for all 3D angles. CONCLUSIONS: Our method is a new, reliable diagnostic tool for assessing the acetabula in both normal and pathologic hip joints. The sacral-base plane can be used as a stable reference that takes the relationship of the acetabulum to the spinopelvic unit into consideration.