REVIEWS   

Minerva Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2016 September;67(3):150-5

Copyright © 2016 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Surgical decision in the patients with cerebral palsy

Serkan AKPANCAR ¹, Safak EKINCI ², Oner TATAR ³, Kenan KOCA ¹

¹ Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Gulhane Military Hospital, Ankara, Turkey; ² Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Haydarpasa Gulhane Military Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey; ³ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Air Force Academy Kasımpaşa Military Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common neuromuscular disability in the childhood caused insufficiency in motor activity and sensory functions in the childhood. Common pathologies in the musculoskeletal system are: muscle-tendon shortness/contractures, joint contractures or instabilities and bony deformities. Orthopedic treatment is aimed to correct these pathologies not only for enhancing the motion or gait of the patients with cerebral palsy, but also improving the quality of life. Numerous surgical techniques have been successfully used up to date. Preoperative assessment and surgical timing are the most important parts of orthopedic approach in cerebral palsy. The goals of orthopedic surgery are: promoting the independence or self care, enhancing the movement, muscular balance, coordination and functionality. Surgery performed in the right time and correct indication, as well as an appropriate postoperative rehabilitation, improves the functional status or walking ability.