Work

Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Complications of Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) frequently results in lower extremity musculoskeletal complications that cause disabling mobility loss and reduced quality of life. This review consolidates current understanding of these common complications, encompassing bony deformities (e.g., scoliosis, femoral anteversion, patella alta, ankle equinus), joint changes due to spasticity and contractures (e.g., hip subluxation, knee flexion contractures), spinal degeneration (e.g., cervical stenosis, lumbosacral spondylolisthesis), and neurologic dysfunction manifesting as pain and weakness. These pathologies are generally progressive, driven by impaired motor control, muscle spasticity, and shortened muscle-tendon units. By providing a comprehensive framework, this paper highlights the critical points facilitating a healthcare provider to recognize and understand these complications, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.

Source: Journal of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine

DOI: 10.26502/josm.511500196

Authors: Alexander Abdou, Eli Spector, Sonam Sidhu, Devendra K. Agrawal

Institution: Western University of Health Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases