Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Orthopedic Surgery and Cerebral Palsy

Orthopedic surgery is done to treat tight muscles and spasticity that are connected to cerebral palsy. In this procedure, a cut is made on the skin where the affected muscle is located, and parts of this muscle are slit so that the tightness is released.

This procedure is intended to remedy the problems related to cerebral palsy. The goals of this surgery are: to loosen muscles that make the hips turn to increase hip movement, loosen the muscles at the back of the thigh so that the muscles will be able to control the tension on the thigh and knee, and to loosen the tendon at the back of the ankle to provide the child with a flatter foot, allowing him to walk properly.

When planning surgery for your child, doctors may postpone it until the child is older than 2. By this time, the doctor is able to release more tight muscles during the surgery than releasing only one. This will lessen the chances of the procedure having to be performed again.


However, these corrections may sometimes be temporary, since while the person is growing, the muscles may become tighter and can cause contractures. Risks of bleeding, infection, and need for further surgery may also be high when it is done. So it is always best that you are 100 percent sure of your decision before putting your child through any surgery.

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