Early Mobilization Rehabilitation Program for Children With Cerebral Palsy Undergoing Single-Event Multilevel Surgery.

PURPOSE: This study investigates functional and technical outcomes to support an early mobilization approach to rehabilitation after single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) for children with cerebral palsy (CP), and disseminates innovative guidelines emphasizing early walking. METHODS: Twenty-three participants with spastic diplegic CP ages 7 through 17 years, Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I to III, who underwent an early mobilization program after SEMLS were reviewed. Outcomes were examined from motion analysis data and clinical documentation. RESULTS: All participants were able to return to school walking at discharge. At 1-year postoperatively, participants had returned to their prior walking level or better. Change in Gait Deviation Index and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument indicated improvements in functional mobility and gait consistent with or greater than the literature. CONCLUSION: This intensive early mobilization program restores participation in daily activities, walking, and school within the first month postoperatively.

International multidisciplinary collaboration toward an annotated definition of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) has been described and defined in thousands of articles, but the terminology used has been inconsistent in clinical and research communities. A definition of AMC was recently developed using a modified Delphi consensus method involving 25 experts in the field of AMC from 8 countries. Participants included health care professionals, researchers, and individuals with AMC. An annotation of the definition provides more in-depth explanations of the different sentences of the AMC definition and is useful to complement the proposed definition. The aim of this study was to provide an annotation of the proposed consensus-based AMC definition. For the annotation process, 17 experts in AMC representing 10 disciplines across 7 countries participated. A paragraph was developed for each sentence of the definition using an iterative process involving multiple authors with varied and complementary expertise, ensuring all points of view were taken into consideration. The annotated definition provides an overview of the different topics related to AMC and is intended for all stakeholders, including youth and adults with AMC, their families, and clinicians and researchers, with the hopes of unifying the understanding of AMC in the international community.

Rectus Femoris Transfer Versus Rectus Intramuscular Lengthening for the Treatment of Stiff Knee Gait in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

BACKGROUND: Rectus femoris transfer (RFT) is used to treat stiff knee gait in spastic cerebral palsy. Recently, rectus femoris lengthening has been reported as treatment for stiff knee gait. The purpose of this study was to compare short-term outcomes of 2 surgical procedures. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 23 patients (42 limbs) with diplegic spastic cerebral palsy who had undergone rectus femoris intramuscular lengthening for treatment of stiff knee gait with a Gross Motor Function Classification System level I, II, or III was completed. These patients were matched with a cohort of 23 patients (42 limbs) who had undergone RFTs based on age, sex, Gross Motor Function Classification System level, diagnosis, preoperative Gait Deviation Index, and any simultaneous surgeries. Preoperative and 1 year postoperative motion analysis data and physical examination were compared. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographics between the groups. On physical examination, a positive postoperative Duncan-Ely test was seen significantly less often in the transfer limbs (20 vs. 37). Average postoperative quad tone score was 1.56 for the transfer group compared with 2.19 for the lengthening group. No significant postoperative difference was seen between groups in stride length, walking speed, cadence, knee flexion at initial contact, peak knee flexion during loading response, mean knee flexion in stance, peak knee flexion in swing, time to peak knee flexion (% swing), time to peak knee flexion (% gait cycle), Gait Deviation Index or total knee range of motion. There was a difference in time to achieve 90 degrees passive knee flexion with the lengthening group reaching this in 8.3 days and transfer group in 15.3 days (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Motion analysis parameters showed results of RFT and rectus femoris intramuscular lengthening to be equivalent 1 year postoperatively. Since rectus femoris lengthening is technically less difficult and rehabilitation faster, rectus femoris lengthening may be preferred if long-term follow-up supports these findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Managing a fractured implant: A clinical report.

Implant fixture fracture is one of the reasons for late implant failure, with incidence rates ranging from 0.2% to 7.5%. Material defects, occlusal overload, prosthetic design, and nonpassive prosthesis fit have been identified as causative factors for implant fixture fractures. A custom-made prosthetic post was made to connect the remaining implant fixture and the implant-retained crown, as the fractured implant fixture exhibited no signs of infection and the fixture had adequate remaining length. In addition, complete removal of the implant could have resulted in significant bone loss at the site.

State and national household concentrations of PM2.5 from solid cookfuel use: results from measurements and modeling in India for estimation of the global burden of disease.

BACKGROUND: Previous global burden of disease (GBD) estimates for household air pollution (HAP) from solid cookfuel use were based on categorical indicators of exposure. Recent progress in GBD methodologies that use integrated-exposure-response (IER) curves for combustion particles required the development of models to quantitatively estimate average HAP levels experienced by large populations. Such models can also serve to inform public health intervention efforts. Thus, we developed a model to estimate national household concentrations of PM2.5 from solid cookfuel use in India, together with estimates for 29 states. METHODS: We monitored 24-hr household concentrations of PM2.5, in 617 rural households from 4 states in India on a cross-sectional basis between November 2004 and March 2005. We then, developed log-linear regression models that predict household concentrations as a function of multiple, independent household level variables available in national household surveys and generated national / state estimates using The Indian National Family and Health Survey (NFHS 2005). RESULTS: The measured mean 24-hr concentration of PM2.5 in solid cookfuel using households ranged from 163 µg/m3 (95% CI: 143,183; median 106; IQR: 191) in the living area to 609 µg/m3 (95% CI: 547,671; median: 472; IQR: 734) in the kitchen area. Fuel type, kitchen type, ventilation, geographical location and cooking duration were found to be significant predictors of PM2.5 concentrations in the household model. k-fold cross validation showed a fair degree of correlation (r = 0.56) between modeled and measured values. Extrapolation of the household results by state to all solid cookfuel-using households in India, covered by NFHS 2005, resulted in a modeled estimate of 450 µg/m3 (95% CI: 318,640) and 113 µg/m3 (95% CI: 102,127) , for national average 24-hr PM2.5 concentrations in the kitchen and living areas respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The model affords substantial improvement over commonly used exposure indicators such as "percent solid cookfuel use" in HAP disease burden assessments, by providing some of the first estimates of national average HAP levels experienced in India. Model estimates also add considerable strength of evidence for framing and implementation of intervention efforts at the state and national levels.

Variants in genes that encode muscle contractile proteins influence risk for isolated clubfoot.

Isolated clubfoot is a relatively common birth defect that affects approximately 4,000 newborns in the US each year. Calf muscles in the affected leg(s) are underdeveloped and remain small even after corrective treatment. This observation suggests that variants in genes that influence muscle development are priority candidate risk factors for clubfoot. This contention is further supported by the discovery that mutations in genes that encode components of the muscle contractile complex (MYH3, TPM2, TNNT3, TNNI2, and MYH8) cause congenital contractures, including clubfoot, in distal arthrogryposis (DA) syndromes. Interrogation of 15 genes encoding proteins that control myofiber contractility in a cohort of both non-Hispanic White (NHW) and Hispanic families, identified positive associations (P < 0.05) with SNPs in 12 genes; only 1 was identified in a family-based validation dataset. Six SNPs in TNNC2 deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in mothers in our NHW discovery dataset. Relative risk and likelihood ratio tests showed evidence for a maternal genotypic effect with TNNC2/rs383112 and an inherited/child genotypic effect with two SNPs, TNNC2/rs4629 and rs383112. Associations with multiple SNPs in TPM1 were identified in the NHW discovery (rs4075583, P = 0.01), family-based validation (rs1972041, P = 0.000074), and case-control validation (rs12148828, P = 0.04) datasets. Gene interactions were identified between multiple muscle contraction genes with many of the interactions involving at least one potential regulatory SNP. Collectively, our results suggest that variation in genes that encode contractile proteins of skeletal myofibers may play a role in the etiology of clubfoot.

Smoking, the xenobiotic pathway, and clubfoot.

BACKGROUND: Isolated clubfoot is a common orthopedic birth defect that affects approximately 135,000 newborns worldwide. It is characterized by ankle equinus, hindfoot varus, and forefoot adductus. Although numerous studies suggest a multifactorial etiology, the specific genetic and environmental components have yet to be delineated. Maternal smoking during pregnancy is the only common environmental factor consistently shown to increase the risk for clubfoot. Moreover, a positive family history of clubfoot, in conjunction with maternal smoking, increases the risk 20-fold. These findings suggest that genetic variation in smoking metabolism (xenobiotic) genes may increase susceptibility to clubfoot. Based on this reasoning, we interrogated eight candidate genes from the xenobiotic metabolism. METHODS: Twenty-two single-nucleotide polymorphisms and two null alleles in these genes (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1, CYP2A6, EPHX1, NAT2, GSTM1, and GSTT1) were genotyped in a dataset composed of non-Hispanic white and Hispanic multiplex and simplex families. RESULTS: Only rs1048943/CYP1A1 had significantly altered transmission in the aggregate and multiplex non-Hispanic white datasets (p = 0.003 and p = 0.009, respectively). Perturbation of CYP1A1 can cause an increase in harmful, adduct-forming metabolic intermediates. A significant interaction between EPHX1 and NAT2 was also found (p = 0.007). Importantly, for CYP1A2, significant maternal (p = 0.03; relative risk [RR] = 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.44) and fetal (p = 0.01; RR = 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13-1.54) genotypic effects were identified, suggesting that both maternal and fetal genotypes can negatively impact limb development. No association was found between maternal smoking status and variation in xenobiotic metabolism genes. CONCLUSION: Together, these results suggest that xenobiotic metabolism genes are unlikely to play a major role in clubfoot; however, perturbation of this pathway may still play a contributory role.

The spectrum of preaxial polydactyly of the foot.

BACKGROUND: Polydactyly is a common congenital anomaly of the foot classified as preaxial, central, or postaxial depending on the location of the duplication. Approximately 15% of all duplications of the toes are preaxial. The purpose of this study is to report our experience in the management of preaxial polydactyly of the foot over a period of 30 years at a single institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective institutional review board-approved descriptive case series of 21 children representing 28 feet with preaxial foot polydactyly seen at our institution from 1977 to 2009. All subjects were analyzed in terms of sex, laterality, anatomic patterns of polydactyly, associated anomalies, family history, clinical features, surgical indications, details of surgical procedures, and outcomes after surgical interventions, using data collected from medical records, radiographs, and clinical photographs. Clinical outcomes were evaluated at the most recent examination, according to the format published by Phelps and Grogan. RESULTS: There were 21 patients (28 feet) including 11 male and 10 female subjects. Duplications were bilateral in 7 patients and unilateral in 14. The average age at surgery was 1.8 years (range: 0.8 to 4.6 y). The average follow-up was 81.7 months (range: 5 to 180 mo). According to the Watanabey classification, the distal phalangeal type occurred in 4 feet, the proximal phalangeal type in 10 feet, the metatarsal type in 10 feet, the tarsal type in 2 feet, a combined tarsal and metatarsal type in 1 foot, and a mirror type in 1 foot. All patients had associated anomalies in the affected feet. Congenital hallux varus was the most common associated anomaly (20 feet). A longitudinal epiphyseal bracket was observed in 4 feet. Clinical outcomes after the initial surgery were excellent in 8 feet, good in 15 feet, and poor in 5 feet. The 5 feet rated as poor were because of residual deformities and required additional surgery. Good results were subsequently obtained at final follow-up in all 5 feet. CONCLUSIONS: In our opinion, the Watanabe classification is more useful than the Venn-Watson for surgical planning. However, we have added an additional type, representing a mirror foot which we feel is within the overall spectrum of preaxial polydactyly. Good or better results were obtained in all feet at final follow-up. Early detection and adequate excision of the longitudinal bracket affecting the phalanges or metatarsal can reduce residual deformity and the need for revision surgery.

Clinical evaluation of an all-ceramic restorative system: a 36-month clinical evaluation.

PURPOSE: To clinically evaluate an all-ceramic restorative system (Finesse All-Ceramic) when used in conjunction with an ultra-low fusing porcelain (Finesse) using bonded esthetic resin cements (Enforce & Calibra). METHODS: This report describes the 3-year results of a prospective, consecutive case clinical evaluation for Finesse All-Ceramic. Forty posterior and anterior crowns, 20 all ceramic inlays and onlays, and 26 veneers were placed in 43 patients at the initiation of this study. Standard ceramic preparations were performed followed by conventional polyvinylsiloxane (Aquasil) impression techniques using cord retraction. The bonded resin cement was used to place the restorations following manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS: A majority of restorations (95-100%) were evaluated to be optimal at baseline (B), 1 month, 12, 24 and 36 months using a modified Ryge criteria for the following categories: color match, marginal adaptation, porcelain staining, secondary caries, postoperative sensitivity, and retention. Assessment of color match at 36 months resulted in 97% of all crowns and 100% of all veneers and onlays being rated alfa for shade match to Vita Lumin shade guide. The overall 3-year success rate at the 3-year recall (inlay/onlays, crowns, and veneers) was 98.57%, with the success rate for crowns and veneers at this time period being 100%.

Comparison of simultaneous static standing balance data on a pressure mat and force plate in typical children and in children with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Balance testing is an important component in treatment planning and outcome assessment for children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Objective measurement for static standing balance is typically conducted in motion labs utilizing force plates; however, a plantar pressure mat may prove to be a viable alternative for this type of balance assessment. METHODS: This study examined static standing balance simultaneously on a force plate and a plantar pressure mat in 30 typically developing (TD) and 30 children with CP to determine if valid measures of static standing balance could be obtained in children with CP using a pressure mat. RESULTS: Examination of the data provided evidence that reliable and valid measures of static standing balance can be produced with a plantar pressure mat for both groups. Five variables out of the 21 variables examined were found to be reliable and valid on both devices (pressure mat and force plate) for both subgroups (TD and CP). The variables medial/lateral (ML) average radial displacement, range moved-ML, anterior/posterior average velocity, ellipse area, and area per second were found to have high test-retest reliability (ICC > .6) and possess discriminant validity between the subgroups (TD vs. CP). Additionally, the ellipse area and area per second variables also had the ability to discriminate between GMFCS levels. A normative center of pressure (CoP) balance data set using all 21 variables was also established for typically developing children for both devices (pressure mat and force plate) within this study. SIGNIFICANCE: The ability to utilize a portable plantar pressure mat for quick and reliable standing balance measurement allows for expanded ability to capture objective data in a variety of settings thereby increasing opportunity for outcomes analysis.

Correlation of technical surgical goals to the GDI and investigation of post-operative GDI change in children with cerebral palsy.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to introduce a standardized set of surgical technical achievement goals (TAGs) as part of a comprehensive outcome assessment model for children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) undergoing orthopaedic surgical intervention to improve gait. Examination of relationships of these surgical goals to the Gait Deviation Index (GDI) and use of two assessments in tandem provided a thorough picture of technical surgical outcomes. This study also investigated changes in GDI in children with spastic CP after surgery. METHODS: Data from 269 participants with spastic CP, aged 4 to 19 years with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I, II, and III who underwent lower extremity orthopaedic surgical intervention to improve gait were retrospectively analyzed. Data were examined as one heterogeneous group and sub-grouped based on pattern of involvement and GMFCS level to determine change in GDI and relationships between GDI and TAGs. RESULTS: Differences in TAG achievement and GDI change by GMFCS level suggest a pairing of GDI with another technical measure to be beneficial. Analysis of the outcome tools individually revealed a significant difference between the pre-operative GDI and post-operative GDI mean for the entire group, as well as each of the subgroups. A significant difference in TAG achievement by GMFCS level was also noted. CONCLUSION: This paper provides evidence that lower extremity orthopedic intervention for the ambulatory child with spastic diplegic or hemiplegic CP improves gait and that a pairing of the GDI and TAGs system is beneficial to capture an accurate technical outcome assessment in both higher and lower functioning patients.

Clinical and histological evaluation of white ProRoot MTA in direct pulp capping.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical, radiographical and histological findings in human third molars in which mechanical pulp exposures were capped with white ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA). METHODS: Forty-eight human third molars, caries-free or with incipient caries, scheduled to be extracted, were used and randomly divided into two groups: Group A: (n= 24) received WMTA and control Group B: (n= 24) received chemical set calcium hydroxide (Dycal). The teeth were isolated with rubber dam and Class I cavities prepared. Pulp exposure was performed using a sterile diamond bur and confirmed by frank bleeding. A sterile cotton pellet dipped in saline solution was placed over the exposure for 60 seconds. The preparation was then lightly rinsed with water and gently air-dried. WMTA or CH was placed over the exposure site followed by a small amount of a light-cured compomer. After etching with 35% phosphoric acid gel for 15 seconds, rinsing and blot drying, Prime and Bond NT adhesive was applied and light-cured. The cavity was then restored with a resin composite and light-cured. Evaluations were performed by phone after 7 days and clinically at 30 +/- 5 and 136 +/- 24 days, using standardized tests and radiographs. The teeth were extracted after 136 +/- 24 days; the roots were cut +/- 4-5 mm from the apex to allow for rapid fixation in 10% neutral buffered formalin. They were then processed for routine histological evaluation, embedded in paraffin, sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Brown and Brenn for recognition of bacteria. Statistical analyses were performed using a Mann-Whitney U-test, a Chi-square test, a Fisher's exact test and an ANOVA. RESULTS: No significant differences in post-operative sensitivity were reported after 7 days between the two materials (P> 0.05). Clinical examination demonstrated no significant differences at 30 +/- 5 days (P> 0.05) and at 136 +/- 24 days (P> 0.05). Histological findings: 45 of 48 teeth were suitable for microscopic evaluation (22 with WMTA and 23 with CH). Twenty from the WMTA and 18 from the CH group had developed a bridge. No statistically significant differences were found for superficial and deep inflammatory cell response (P> 0.05), presence of a dentin bridge (P> 0.01), and pulp vitality (P> 0.01), between WMTA and calcium hydroxide. A statistically significant difference was found for the diameter of exposure (P< or = 0.05) between WMTA (x= 0.35 +/- 0.19 mm) and CH (x= 0.25 +/- 0.09 mm). Only a minimal association between clinical and histological findings could be established for either material.

Clinical evaluation of an all-ceramic restorative system: 24-month report.

PURPOSE: To clinically evaluate an all-ceramic restorative system (Finesse All-Ceramic) when used in conjunction with an ultra-low fusing porcelain (Finesse) using bonded esthetic resin cements (Enforce & Calibra). METHODS: 40 posterior and anterior crowns, 20 all-ceramic inlays and onlays, and 26 veneers were placed in 43 patients. Standard ceramic preparations were performed followed by conventional polyvinylsiloxane (Aquasil) impression techniques using cord retraction. The bonded resin cement was used to place the restorations following manufacturer's instructions. A majority of restorations (95-100%) were evaluated to be optimal at baseline (B), 6, 12, and 24 months using a modified Ryge criteria for the following categories: color match, marginal adaptation, porcelain staining, secondary caries, postoperative sensitivity, and retention. RESULTS: There were sufficient shades available to obtain desired esthetic result with 98% of all restorations being rated Alfa for shade match to Vita Lumin shade guide. The overall 2-year success rate (inlay/onlays, crowns, and veneers) was 98.75%.

Double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of intranasal K305 (3% tetracaine plus 0.05% oxymetazoline) in anesthetizing maxillary teeth.

BACKGROUND: The authors compared the local anesthetic efficacy and safety of an intranasally administered formulation of tetracaine and oxymetazoline (K305) with placebo in adult participants undergoing single dental restorative procedures in teeth nos. 4 through 13. METHODS: The authors screened and allocated 150 participants in a double-masked, randomized fashion to either K305 or placebo nasal spray. The authors delivered the study drug as two 0.2-milliliter sprays separated by 4 minutes inside the nostril on the side ipsilateral to the tooth being treated. The authors administered a third 0.2-mL spray, if necessary, and administered 4% articaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine by means of injection if anesthesia was inadequate. Safety evaluations included participant reports of adverse events, vital signs, and alcohol sniff tests during the 2-hour study period and at a 1-day follow-up visit. The primary efficacy end point was anesthetic success defined as the completion of the dental procedure without the need for rescue injectable local anesthetic. The authors evaluated differences in success rates observed between K305 and placebo by using a 1-sided Fisher exact test. RESULTS: The overall success rates were 88.0% (95% confidence interval, 80.0-93.6) and 28% (95% confidence interval, 16.2-42.5) for K305 and placebo, respectively (P < .0001). The most frequent adverse effects in the K305 group were rhinorrhea (57.0%) and nasal congestion (26.0%). No serious adverse events occurred during this study. CONCLUSIONS: K305 was effective and well tolerated during restorative procedures in adult participants. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: K305 provides a needleless alternative for obtaining maxillary pulpal anesthesia on premolars, canines, and incisors.

Attitudes of advanced dental education students toward individuals with AIDS.

The number of patients with HIV/AIDS who receive dental care is increasing. This study was undertaken to gain a better understanding of the attitudes of dentists enrolled in postgraduate training toward AIDS and homosexuals. Each respondent received a 500-word patient case vignette and two scales for recording impressions of the person described in the vignette. There were four vignettes, identical except that the portrayed individual's illness was identified as either AIDS or leukemia and sexual preference as either homosexual or heterosexual. Two-way analyses of variance and t tests (p<.05) revealed a bias toward individuals with AIDS and toward homosexuals. Respondents reacted more negatively to both groups on the Social Interaction Scale as seen in total scale scores as well as to individual scale items. In addition, although overall Prejudicial Evaluation Scale scores displayed no evidence of bias, several individual scale items did. It is important to ensure that dentists' attitudes toward patients with AIDS and homosexuals are not a barrier to these patients receiving the best possible care. Therefore, dental education programs at all levels should give consideration to interventions to address provider attitudes and potential biases.

Clinical evaluation of a 15% in-office hydrogen peroxide tooth-whitening touch-up agent.

The success of tooth whitening has increased public demand for quicker results of the tooth-whitening process. More and more patients are opting for in-office treatments, if available, to expedite the process, and they are looking for ways to re-whiten quickly when they feel their teeth have reverted from their after-treatment results. This article will discuss the use of a commercially available product as a touch-up procedure for patients who had been previously treated with a 2-week carbamide peroxide whitening regimen.

Pediatric outcomes data collection instrument scores in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy: an analysis by age groups and severity level.

BACKGROUND: The Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) was developed in 1994 as a patient-based tool for use across a broad age range and wide array of musculoskeletal disorders, including children with cerebral palsy (CP). The purpose of this study was to establish means and SDs of the Parent PODCI measures by age groups and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels for ambulatory children with CP. METHODS: This instrument was one of several studied in a prospective, multicenter project of ambulatory patients with CP between the aged 4 and 18 years and GMFCS levels I through III. Participants included 338 boys and 221 girls at a mean age of 11.1 years, with 370 diplegic, 162 hemiplegic, and 27 quadriplegic. Both baseline and follow-up data sets of the completed Parent PODCI responses were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Age was identified as a significant predictor of the PODCI measures of Upper Extremity Function, Transfers and Basic Mobility, Global Function, and Happiness With Physical Condition. Gross Motor Function Classification System levels was a significant predictor of Transfers and Basic Mobility, Sports and Physical Function, and Global Function. Pattern of involvement, sex, and prior orthopaedic surgery were not statistically significant predictors for any of the Parent PODCI measures. Mean and SD scores were calculated for age groups stratified by GMFCS levels. Analysis of the follow-up data set validated the findings derived from the baseline data. Linear regression equations were derived, with age as a continuous variable and GMFCS levels as a categorical variable, to be used for Parent PODCI predicted scores. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide clinicians and researchers with a set of Parent PODCI values for comparison to age- and severity-matched populations of ambulatory patients with CP.

Outcome assessments in children with cerebral palsy, part I: descriptive characteristics of GMFCS Levels I to III.

This prospective cross-sectional multicenter study assessed the relationships between Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level and scores on outcome tools used in pediatric orthopedics. Five hundred and sixty-two participants with cerebral palsy (CP; 339 males, 223 females; age range 4-18y, mean age 11y 1mo [SD 3y 7mo]; 400 with diplegia, 162 with hemiplegia; GMFCS Levels I-III;) completed the study. The Functional Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ), Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) Dimensions D and E, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI), Pediatric Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM), temporal-spatial gait parameters, and O(2) cost were collected during one session. Descriptive characteristics are reported by GMFCS level clinicians can use for comparison with individual children. Tools with a direct relationship between outcome scores and GMFCS levels were the PODCI Parent and Child Global Function, Transfers & Basic Mobility, and Sports and Physical Function; PODCI Parent Upper Extremity Function; WeeFIM Self-care and Mobility; FAQ Question 1; GMFM Dimensions D and E; GMFM-66; O(2) cost; and temporal-spatial gait parameters. Child report scores differed significantly higher than Parent scores for six of eight PODCI subscales and three of four PedsQL dimensions. Children classified into different GMFCS levels function differently.

Relationships among functional outcome measures used for assessing children with ambulatory CP.

In ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP), practitioners often examine outcomes using measures related to functions necessary for daily life. The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) Dimensions D and E, Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) Parent and Child versions, Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ) Walking subscale, Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), temporal-spatial gait parameters, and O(2) cost during ambulation were selected for study. Cross-sectional data were collected in a prospective multicenter study of 562 participants with CP (339 males, 223 females), between 4 and 18 years of age (mean age 11y 1mo). There were 240 classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System Level I, 196 as Level II, and 126 as Level III. The tools that had the best interrelationships and underlying constructs predominately measured changes in physical function. These included portions of the FAQ, Parent PODCI, WeeFIM, and GMFM. GMFM Dimensions D and E exhibited a very strong relationship. Temporal-spatial gait parameters and O2 cost measures represented a different construct of physical function. The Child PODCI reports and both the Parent and Child PedsQL reports did not relate well to other measures, suggesting a pattern of answers not related to question content. The Parent PODCI, the FAQ Walking subscale, and GMFM Dimension E were found to be an appropriate minimum set of instruments for assessment of functional outcomes in patients with ambulatory CP.