Cerebral Palsy Gait Disorders - DRHC Dubai Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic

In cerebral palsy patients gait disorder is the primary reason for orthopedic consultations .

Normally, independent gait is expected in a child between 12 to 18 months old.

Spasticity and weakness from primary central nervous system injury is the mean factors for gait disorders. With time other factors participate in gait disorder like anatomic shortening of muscle and tendon(Achilles tendon) persistent bony deformities(femoral anteversion) joints subluxations or dislocations(hip subluxation..)

The deformity can be into 3 planes:

• Sagittal Plane: This includes anterior or posterior pelvic tilt, hip flexion/extension, knee flexion/extension, and ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion.
• Coronal Plane: This involves pelvic elevation/depression and hip abduction/adduction.
• Transverse Plane: This encompasses pelvic and hip internal and external rotation deformities, as well as foot progression angle.

Treatment Options

At our center, we offer specialized physiotherapy for both operative and non-operative cases. We also provide training programs for patients and parents for home exercises.

Chemodenervation by injecting botulinum neurotoxin A in certain muscle groups as a primary treatment or in order to delay surgical management(especially hamstring spasticity).

Use of solid or hinged orthosis (like ankle foot orthosis for Achilles tendon contraction.

Surgical Interventions

Single-event, multi-level surgery (SEMLS) is now the gold standard for treating cerebral palsy gait disorders. The procedures involved in SEMLS include:

• Tendo-Achilles lengthening for ankle equines
• Flat foot reconstruction
• External rotation proximal femur osteotomy for increased femoral anteversion
• Intramuscular psoas lengthening for hip flexion contracture
• Medial hamstring lengthening and/or distal femur extension osteotomy and/or rectus femoris transfer and/or guided growth surgery for knee contractures

All surgical interventions are accompanied by aggressive physical therapy for re-training and strengthening, along with appropriate orthosis.

Recovery Expectations

Full recovery is typically expected within one year following treatment.

By understanding the complexities of cerebral palsy gait disorders, we can better tailor treatments to each patient’s unique needs and improve their quality of life.

If you are in search of the cerebral palsy doctor in Dubai or children's orthopedic specialist in Dubai, then DRHC Orthopedic Clinic in Dubai offers you the doctors who specialize in cerebral palsy and with vast years of experience. To book an appointment call +97142798200.