Functional Benefits of Multisite Surgery for the Upper Limb of Children With Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is responsible for the most common neurological disorders in children. Although the primary lesion is non-evolutionary, the secondary consequences are evolutive, with neuro-orthopaedic degradation leading to soft tissue retraction and osteo-articular deformities. Hemiplegia occurs in approximately 30% of cases of Cerebral Palsy, and tone disorders (spasticity, dyskinesia) affecting the upper limb generally impact function, both in unilateral capacities (range of motion, dexterity, and fluidity of movement), and in bimanual performance. The focal treatment of spasticity by botulinum toxin injections, in combination with specific occupational therapy training, has proven to be effective in improving targeted functional goals. However, there is little evidence today of the effectiveness of treatment for the management of upper limb retraction and deformity, whether by stretching, orthosis/plaster or even surgery. And apart from its effectiveness on body structure, the functional effects of upper limb surgery in Cerebral Palsy have been little explored. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of individualized multisite neuro-orthopedic surgery of the upper limb in children with Cerebral Palsy on unilateral functional capacities and bimanual performance, by using such tools as the Melbourne Assessment (Version 2) and the Assisting Hand Assessment (Version 5.0).

Inclusion criteria

• Age <18 years at time of surgical project
• Unilateral upper limb injury due to Cerebral Palsy
• Having undergone neuro-orthopaedic surgery of the upper limb with prior evaluation and comparative evaluation after surgery (6 months)

Exclusion criteria

• Refusal to process medical data concerning the child for research purposes