Functional gains after surgical procedures in spastic upper extremity: a comparative study between children and adults

Abstract

Thirty-four patients with spastic upper extremity secondary to cerebral palsy underwent operative treatment with bony and soft tissue procedures including osteotomies, capsulotomies tendon transfers, lengthening and releases. The follow-up ranged from 24 months to 9 years with a mean of 52 months. For the evaluation of the surgical outcome patients were classified into two age groups, one younger (4-14 years) and one older (15-34 years). All patients in both the groups presented with significant improvement postoperatively. Patients who were operated early (first group) had statistically better results in a series of tasks that were used for evaluation. We suggest early intervention with all necessary surgical steps which should be individualized depending on patient's situation and needs. J Pediatr Orthop B 19: 446-453 (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.