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ABSTRACT: Different methods have been used to classify osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip. We evaluated the reliability of different classifications in order to find which grading system is most appropriate for use in clinical practice.
49 patients (61 affected hips) with late-detected developmental dislocation of the hip (DDH) were studied. The mean age at follow-up was 45 (32-49) years. 3 classifications of OA were compared. The gradings by Kellgren and Lawrence (1957) (K&L) and Croft et al. (1990) are global visual assessments based on osteophytes, cysts, subchondral sclerosis, and narrowing of the joint space. The third classification is based on narrowing in the upper, weight-bearing part of the joint and defines as OA a minimum joint space width (JSW) of less than 2.0 mm at the narrowest part. 2 experienced observers, one radiologist and one orthopedic surgeon, assessed and measured the radiographs.
Minimum JSW (< 2.0 mm in 9 hips) gave the best inter-observer agreement (kappa value = 0.87). Using the K&L grading, inter-observer agreement was moderate (kappa = 0.55), but kappa increased when the number of categories was reduced from 5 to 3 (no OA, mild OA, and severe OA). The Croft classification gave similar agreement as the K&L grading. The intra-observer agreement was better than inter-observer agreement, irrespective of the grading system. There was a good accordance between the minimum JSW and the 2 other methods.
Joint space narrowing using a minimum JSW of < 2.0 mm as criterion for OA was the simplest and most reproducible classification in long-term follow-up of patients with DDH. A classification based on global visual assessment can be used in addition if only hips with severe OA are included.
Acta Orthopaedica 02/2012; 83(2):185-9. · 2.17 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In the Norwegian prospective study on Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD), we found varus femoral osteotomy gave better femoral head sphericity at a mean of 5 years postoperative than physiotherapy in children older than 6.0 years at diagnosis with femoral head necrosis of more than 50%. That study did not include separate analyses for hips with 100% necrosis and those with a percentage of necrosis between 50% and 100%.
We asked whether (1) femoral osteotomy improves femoral head sphericity at followup in all patients with more than 50% femoral head necrosis or in selected groups only and (2) there is a critical age between 6.0 and 10.0 years over which femoral osteotomy does not improve the prognosis.
We treated 70 patients with unilateral LCPD, age at diagnosis of more than 6.0 years, and femoral head necrosis of more than 50% with varus femoral osteotomy between 1996 and 2000. We classified necrosis using the Catterall classification. We established a control group of 51 similar children who received physiotherapy. At the 5-year followup visit, the hips were graded according to femoral head shape: spherical, ovoid, or flat.
At 5-year followup, there was no difference between the treatment groups in radiographic outcome in Catterall Group 3 hips. In Catterall Group 4 hips, femoral head sphericity was better in the osteotomy group, with flat femoral heads in 14% compared to 75% after physiotherapy. The same trend toward better head sphericity occurred when the lateral pillar classification was used.
In children aged 6.0 to 10.0 years, in whom the whole femoral head is affected, femoral head sphericity 5 years after femoral osteotomy was better than that after physiotherapy.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 11/2011; 470(9):2394-401. · 2.53 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To assess the reliability of radiographic measurements in adults previously treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and to clarify whether these parameters differ according to position of the patient (supine versus standing).
Fifty-one patients (41 females and 10 males) with 63 affected hips were included in the study. The mean follow-up period was 45 (44-49) years in the patients who had not undergone total hip replacement (THR). Anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis were taken with the patient in the supine and in the standing position. Measurements used for residual hip dysplasia were center-edge (CE) angle and migration percentage (MP). The joint space width (JSW) was measured at three or four locations of the upper, weight-bearing part of the joint, and the shortest distance was termed the minimum joint space width (minJSW). One radiologist and one orthopaedic surgeon, each with more than 30 years of experience, independently measured the radiographic parameters.
The limits of agreement (LOA) of the CE angle (mean interobserver difference ± 2SD) were within the range -8 to 7°. The LOA of the MP were in the range -8 to 8% and of the minJSW -0.6 to 1.1 mm. The mean differences in CE angle between supine and standing radiographs (supine - standing) ranged from -1.1 to 0.0° and the mean differences in MP between supine and standing positions were below 1%. The mean positional differences in minJSW were below 0.1 mm and were not statistically significant.
The interobserver variations with regard to CE angle, MP, and minJSW were moderate, indicating that these are reliable measurements in clinical practice. Femoral head coverage and JSW did not significantly differ between supine and weight-bearing positions.
Skeletal Radiology 11/2011; 41(7):811-6. · 1.54 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of different methods of treatment in slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), to find risk factors for poor outcome, and to assess whether prophylactic fixation is indicated.
Sixty-six patients (76 hips) treated for SCFE with a mean follow-up of 38 years (range 21-57 years) were evaluated. All except seven patients had chronic SCFE. Ten patients (15%) had bilateral affection. Three methods of treatment had been used: screw fixation (35 hips), bone-peg epiphysiodesis (30 hips), and bone-peg epiphysiodesis combined with corrective femoral osteotomy (11 hips). The long-term clinical outcome was classified as good when the patient had not undergone total hip replacement (THR), when the Harris hip score (HHS) was 85 points or above, or the patient had no pain. Good radiographic outcome was defined as no THR or osteoarthritis (OA).
In 51 patients with chronic slip (mean slip angle 32°) treated with in situ fixation, the clinical outcome was good in 35 patients (69%) and there was no significant difference between screw fixation and bone-peg epiphysiodesis. Eight patients with large chronic slip (mean slip angle 53°) were treated with bone-peg epiphysiodesis and corrective femoral osteotomy, and the clinical outcome was poor in six patients. Seven patients with acute slip had larger mean slip angle (57°) and more complications than those with chronic slip, and the long-term outcome was poor in all. Two hips out of 42 (5%) had OA in the contralateral hip at follow-up.
In situ fixation of chronic SCFE gave satisfactory long-term outcome irrespective of the treatment method. Corrective femoral osteotomy did not improve the outcome in hips with large slip angles. Acute SCFE had poor outcome. Prophylactic fixation of the contralateral hip is barely necessary.
Journal of Children s Orthopaedics 04/2011; 5(2):75-82.
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ABSTRACT: Background The prognosis in Perthes' disease varies considerably according to certain risk factors, but there is no concensus regarding the relative importance of these factors. We assessed the natural history of the disease and defined prognostic factors of value in deciding the proper treatment. Patients and methods During the 5-year period 1996–2000, a nationwide study on Perthes' disease was performed in Norway. 425 patients were registered. The present study involved the 212 children (mean age 5.1 years, 77% boys) who were affected unilaterally and who had been treated with physiotherapy only (which is considered not to change the natural history). They were followed by taking radiographs at the time of diagnosis and after 1, 3, and 5 years. At the 5-year follow-up, the outcome was evaluated according to a modification of the Stulberg classification: good (spherical femoral head), fair (ovoid femoral head), and poor (flat femoral head). Results The 5-year radiographic results were strongly dependent on 4 risk factors: age 6 years or more at diagnosis, total femoral head necrosis, height of the lateral pillar of the epiphysis less than 50% of normal height, and femoral head cover less than 80%. As the number of risk factors increased from 0 to 4, the proportion of patients with good radiographic 5-year outcome decreased from 79% to 0% and the proportion with poor outcome increased from 3% to 91%. Interpretation Most children under 6 years of age do not need any special treatment. In older children, no special treatment is indicated if the whole femoral head is not necrotic and the femoral head cover is > 80%. In the most severe forms of the disease (i.e. more than 2 risk factors), surgical containment treatment seems advisable.
11/2010; 81(6):708-714.
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ABSTRACT: The prognosis in Perthes' disease varies considerably according to certain risk factors, but there is no concensus regarding the relative importance of these factors. We assessed the natural history of the disease and defined prognostic factors of value in deciding the proper treatment.
During the 5-year period 1996-2000, a nationwide study on Perthes' disease was performed in Norway. 425 patients were registered. The present study involved the 212 children (mean age 5.1 years, 77% boys) who were affected unilaterally and who had been treated with physiotherapy only (which is considered not to change the natural history). They were followed by taking radiographs at the time of diagnosis and after 1, 3, and 5 years. At the 5-year follow-up, the outcome was evaluated according to a modification of the Stulberg classification: good (spherical femoral head), fair (ovoid femoral head), and poor (flat femoral head).
The 5-year radiographic results were strongly dependent on 4 risk factors: age 6 years or more at diagnosis, total femoral head necrosis, height of the lateral pillar of the epiphysis less than 50% of normal height, and femoral head cover less than 80%. As the number of risk factors increased from 0 to 4, the proportion of patients with good radiographic 5-year outcome decreased from 79% to 0% and the proportion with poor outcome increased from 3% to 91%.
Most children under 6 years of age do not need any special treatment. In older children, no special treatment is indicated if the whole femoral head is not necrotic and the femoral head cover is > 80%. In the most severe forms of the disease (i.e. more than 2 risk factors), surgical containment treatment seems advisable.
Acta Orthopaedica 11/2010; 81(6):708-14. · 2.17 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Background and purpose Rotational osteotomies are usually necessary to correct pronounced rotational deformities in ambulant children with cerebral palsy. The effects of soft tissue surgery on such deformities are unclear. In this retrospective study, we determined whether multilevel soft tissue surgery, performed to correct deformities in the sagittal plane, would also have an effect on rotational parameters. Patients and methods We examined 28 ambulant children with spastic diplegia with an average age of 12 (7–19) years. They underwent multilevel soft tissue surgery (with 6 surgical procedures per child on average). 3-dimensional gait analysis was performed preoperatively and at an average follow-up of 1–2 years. The indications for surgery were abnormalities in the sagittal plane. Gait analysis data from healthy children were used in defining normal ranges of kinematic variables. For assessment of changes in the transverse plane, the angles of foot progression, hip rotation, and pelvic rotation were studied. Results The transverse plane kinematic results showed no statistically significant postoperative changes when the preoperative parameters were within the normal range (within 2 SD of the mean of the normal material). In limbs where the preoperative values were abnormal (more than 2 SD above the normal mean), there was a mean reduction in internal foot progression of 12° (p = 0.01) and a mean reduction in external pelvic rotation of 6° (p = 0.02). The effect was more pronounced in children under 12 years of age. Internal hip rotation was not significantly reduced. Interpretation When the preoperative rotational parameters were abnormal, multilevel soft tissue surgery resulted in improved transverse plane kinematics. This could be of importance in preoperative decision making, especially when there is doubt as to whether to include rotational osteotomies in multilevel operations in younger children.
06/2010; 81(2):245-249.
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ABSTRACT: Rotational osteotomies are usually necessary to correct pronounced rotational deformities in ambulant children with cerebral palsy. The effects of soft tissue surgery on such deformities are unclear. In this retrospective study, we determined whether multilevel soft tissue surgery, performed to correct deformities in the sagittal plane, would also have an effect on rotational parameters.
We examined 28 ambulant children with spastic diplegia with an average age of 12 (7-19) years. They underwent multilevel soft tissue surgery (with 6 surgical procedures per child on average). 3-dimensional gait analysis was performed preoperatively and at an average follow-up of 1-2 years. The indications for surgery were abnormalities in the sagittal plane. Gait analysis data from healthy children were used in defining normal ranges of kinematic variables. For assessment of changes in the transverse plane, the angles of foot progression, hip rotation, and pelvic rotation were studied.
The transverse plane kinematic results showed no statistically significant postoperative changes when the preoperative parameters were within the normal range (within 2 SD of the mean of the normal material). In limbs where the preoperative values were abnormal (more than 2 SD above the normal mean), there was a mean reduction in internal foot progression of 12 degrees (p = 0.01) and a mean reduction in external pelvic rotation of 6 degrees (p = 0.02). The effect was more pronounced in children under 12 years of age. Internal hip rotation was not significantly reduced.
When the preoperative rotational parameters were abnormal, multilevel soft tissue surgery resulted in improved transverse plane kinematics. This could be of importance in preoperative decision making, especially when there is doubt as to whether to include rotational osteotomies in multilevel operations in younger children.
Acta Orthopaedica 02/2010; 81(2):245-9. · 2.17 Impact Factor
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Acta Orthopaedica - ACTA ORTHOP. 01/2010; 81(2):245-249.
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ABSTRACT: Background and purpose Chronic hip dislocation in non-ambulatory individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) can lead to severe problems, of which pain is often the most severe. We studied the outcome of proximal femoral resection, especially regarding pain, sitting balance, perineal care, and patient satisfaction. Patients and methods During the period 1998–2005, we operated 20 non-ambulatory patients with spastic quadriplegic CP (8 females and 12 males). 13 patients had unilateral dislocation and 7 had bilateral. The mean age at operation was 15 (3–27) years. The indications for operation were chronic hip dislocation plus severe problems with pain (17 patients), perineal care (16), and sitting (10). Patients were followed from 1 to 6 years. Results 14 patients were satisfied with the surgery, 3 were dissatisfied, 2 were uncertain, and 1 patient had died 5 days postoperatively. Of the 15 patients who had suffered from considerable pain before surgery, 8 had complete relief from pain and 7 patients experienced improvement. Of the 2 patients who had had mild pain, 1 was unchanged and 1 patient deteriorated. All patients who had not been able to sit were able to sit after the surgery. Only 1 patient had difficulties with perineal hygiene at follow-up. Postoperative complications included deep vein thrombosis (1 patient) and edema, loss of appetite, and the need for gastrostomy (1 patient). 7 patients had prolonged pain for up to 6 months after surgery. 1 of these was reoperated because of persistent pain due to a bony-spike heterotopic ossification. Interpretation Most patients with chronic hip dislocation and severe pain or other major problems appear to benefit from proximal femoral resection. Pain, sitting ability, and perineal care improved and most patients and caregivers were satisfied.
07/2009; 80(1):32-36.
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ABSTRACT: Chronic hip dislocation in non-ambulatory individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) can lead to severe problems, of which pain is often the most severe. We studied the outcome of proximal femoral resection, especially regarding pain, sitting balance, perineal care, and patient satisfaction.
During the period 1998-2005, we operated 20 non-ambulatory patients with spastic quadriplegic CP (8 females and 12 males). 13 patients had unilateral dislocation and 7 had bilateral. The mean age at operation was 15 (3-27) years. The indications for operation were chronic hip dislocation plus severe problems with pain (17 patients), perineal care (16), and sitting (10). Patients were followed from 1 to 6 years.
14 patients were satisfied with the surgery, 3 were dissatisfied, 2 were uncertain, and 1 patient had died 5 days postoperatively. Of the 15 patients who had suffered from considerable pain before surgery, 8 had complete relief from pain and 7 patients experienced improvement. Of the 2 patients who had had mild pain, 1 was unchanged and 1 patient deteriorated. All patients who had not been able to sit were able to sit after the surgery. Only 1 patient had difficulties with perineal hygiene at follow-up. Postoperative complications included deep vein thrombosis (1 patient) and edema, loss of appetite, and the need for gastrostomy (1 patient). 7 patients had prolonged pain for up to 6 months after surgery. 1 of these was reoperated because of persistent pain due to a bony-spike heterotopic ossification.
Most patients with chronic hip dislocation and severe pain or other major problems appear to benefit from proximal femoral resection. Pain, sitting ability, and perineal care improved and most patients and caregivers were satisfied.
Acta Orthopaedica 03/2009; 80(1):32-6. · 2.17 Impact Factor
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Journal of Children s Orthopaedics 09/2008; 2(4):323.
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ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to assess the outcome of orthopaedic surgery in ambulant children with cerebral palsy, when the orthopaedic surgeons followed the recommendations from preoperative three-dimensional gait analysis. 55 children, mean age 10 y 11 mo, were clinically evaluated by orthopaedic surgeons who proposed a surgical treatment plan. After gait analysis and subsequent surgery, three groups were defined. In group A, there was agreement between clinical proposals, gait-analysis recommendations, and subsequent surgery in 128 specific surgical procedures. In group B, 54 procedures were performed based on gait analysis, although these procedures had not been proposed at the clinical examination. In group C, 55 surgical procedures that had been proposed after clinical evaluation were not performed because of the gait-analysis recommendations. The children underwent follow-up gait analysis 1 to 2 years after the initial analysis. The kinematic results were satisfactory, with improvement in most of the gait parameters in children who had undergone surgery and no significant deterioration in those who were not operated. In group A, there were significant improvements in maximum hip extension in stance, minimum knee flexion in stance, timing of maximum knee flexion in swing and knee range of motion, maximum ankle dorsiflexion in stance, and mean femur rotation in stance. In group B, there were significant improvements in maximum hip extension in stance, minimum knee flexion in stance, and knee range of motion. We conclude that gait analysis was useful in confirming clinical indications for surgery, in defining indications for surgery that had not been clinically proposed, and for excluding or delaying surgery that was clinically proposed.
Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology 08/2008; 50(7):503-9. · 2.92 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The purpose was to assess the local and distant effects of isolated calf muscle lengthening in ambulant children with cerebral palsy.
The study included fifteen ambulant children with cerebral palsy (nine with diplegia and six with hemiplegia), average age 8.8 years, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I and II. None of the children had previously undergone orthopaedic surgery, apart from one child who had tendo-achilles lengthening (TAL) nine years earlier. All the children underwent pre and post-operative clinical examination and three-dimensional gait analysis (gait analysis). Twenty calf muscle lengthenings were performed, ten TAL and ten gastrocnemius recessions (GR).
Post-operative ankle kinematics showed significant improvements in all parameters. Ankle power during push-off increased, but only significantly after TAL. Only one limb (5%) was over-corrected. Four limbs (20%) were under-corrected and one of these limbs remained in mild equinus position in stance. There was one recurrent equinus (5%) during the follow-up period of three years (range: 13-55 months). Distant effects on joints and segments were more marked in diplegia than in hemiplegia. Ten of 17 kinematic parameters distant from the ankle joint improved significant post-operatively when the preoperative values were 1SD below or above the mean of the normal material. There was no significant deterioration in any of the measured parameters.
The improvement in ankle kinematics and kinetics supported the experience of other studies. The distant effects, which have previously not been evaluated in three planes, showed improvement in several kinematic parameters indicating that additional surgery in selected patients could be abandoned or delayed.
Journal of Children s Orthopaedics 03/2008; 2(1):55-61.
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ABSTRACT: Accurate and reliable radiographic classifications are of great importance as a basis of treatment decisions and prognosis in Perthes disease. The classification of Stulberg is widely used as a predictor of long-term outcome. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the Stulberg classification is sufficiently reliable for routine clinical use in the assessment of Perthes disease.
We used this classification to assess the radiographs of 101 hips in two separate sessions (55 and 46 hips, respectively), interfered by an educational intervention in which the classification algorithm was discussed and clarified.
We obtained good agreement between experienced examiners (weighted kappa 0.65) and a percentage agreement of 71%. We obtained weighted kappa values of 0.51 and 0.57 (moderate agreement) and percentage agreements of 62% and 65% between the least experienced observer and the two experienced examiners. Combining Stulberg class I and II, and IV and V into a simpler three-group classification gave better agreement between all observers. The agreement between the two experienced observers was improved to 81%.
We conclude that the reliability of the Stulberg classification is acceptable when the radiographic assessment is carried out by experienced examiners. A simpler three-group classification based on the shape of the femoral head (spherical, ovoid and flat) gave better agreement and is, therefore, recommended for routine clinical use.
Journal of Children s Orthopaedics 08/2007; 1(2):101-5.
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ABSTRACT: This retrospective study was undertaken because there is limited knowledge about the long-term results after closed reduction of late-detected hip dislocation. The aims were to evaluate the outcome after skeletal maturity and to find predictive factors for good and poor results.
The material included 60 patients (78 hips, 53 girls) treated during the period 1958-62. The primary treatment was skin traction for 36 (16-76) days. Closed reduction was performed in all hips except 4 that needed open reduction. The mean age at reduction was 20 (4-65) months. Hip spica plaster was worn for 9 (6-20) months. Within 3 years of the start of treatment, derotation femoral osteotomy was performed because of increased femoral anteversion in 35 patients. Later, 28 patients underwent additional surgery on the femur or acetabulum to improve femoral head coverage. Radiographs at the time of diagnosis and during follow-up to skeletal maturity were assessed. The average age of the patients at the most recent follow-up was 26 (15-42) years.
The femoral head coverage normalized during the primary treatment and then decreased somewhat during the remaining growth period. The dysplasia of the acetabulum improved markedly during the first year after reduction. It continued to improve, but to a much lesser degree, until 8-10 years of age. A satisfactory radiographic outcome at skeletal maturity (Severin grades I and II) was obtained in 63% of the hips. Early derotation osteotomy of the femur did not improve the outcome. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head occurred in 14% of the hips. Risk factors for unsatisfactory outcome at skeletal maturity were high initial dislocation, steep acetabulum 1 year after reduction, reduced femoral head coverage at age 8-10 years, and avascular necrosis.
The specific risk factors and the radiographic outcome--with satisfactory long-term results in nearly two-thirds of the patients--would be valuable for comparison with outcome studies after more modern treatment regimes.
Acta Orthopaedica 05/2007; 78(2):236-46. · 2.17 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: There is still some debate regarding the role of 3-dimensional gait analysis in routine preoperative evaluation of children with cerebral palsy. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate to what extent introduction of 3-D gait analysis changes preoperative surgical planning.
Before gait analysis, 60 ambulatory children aged 10 (4-18) years with spastic cerebral palsy had a specific surgical plan outlined, based on clinical examination by orthopedic surgeons. After gait analysis, the proposed surgical procedures were reviewed to determine the frequency with which the treatment plans changed. A multidisciplinary team assessed the gait analysis.
Treatment plans for 42 of the 60 patients were altered after gait analysis. Surgical treatment was recommended for 49 patients whereas 11 were recommended non-surgical treatment. Of the 253 specific surgical procedures proposed, 97 procedures were not recommended after gait analysis and 65 additional procedures were recommended after the analysis. Thus, the number of procedures proposed was reduced by 13%. A total of 318 specific surgical procedures were proposed either clinically, by gait analysis, or both. There was overall agreement between the referring orthopedic surgeons and gait analysis in 156 of these 318 procedures (49%). Gait analysis proposed more surgery for psoas tenotomy and rectus femoris transfer, whereas less surgery was proposed for other soft tissue and bony procedures. There was good accordance between gait analysis recommendations and the surgery performed subsequently (92%).
Gait analysis provided important additional information that modified preoperative surgical planning to a high degree. The high accordance between recommendations and surgery performed suggests that surgeons seriously consider the gait data and treatment recommendations.
Acta Orthopaedica 03/2007; 78(1):74-80. · 2.17 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Substantial changes have taken place in the management of motor function in children with cerebral palsy during the last decade. The objective of this article is to describe some of these changes. The article is based on search of databases and own clinical experiences. New treatment methods have been introduced and the management is more specialised and individualised. No single treatment method has proven to be sufficient alone and the challenge is to find the best combination of methods. This requires the ability to cooperate across disciplines. Medical treatment of spasticity (botulinum toxin A, intrathecal baclofen) may be an alternative or a supplement to orthopaedic surgery. For children who can walk, preoperative gait analysis has made it easier to find the right time for an operation and to choice the right type of intervention. Physiotherapy has become task oriented and specifically goal directed, based on documented principles of motor learning, strength and fitness training. Correct choose and use of orthosis is an essential part of the treatment. The different types of cerebral palsy have different natural progressions, risk factors and needs of follow-up. A multidisciplinary clinical evaluation is therefore needed as a basis for choosing the right management strategy. Given the complexity of this disorder, priority between various focus areas for different age groups is a challenge. A close collaboration with the parents is therefore essential. Children with cerebral palsy are a relatively small group, and the increased specialisation may indicate that parts of the treatment should be centralised.
Tidsskrift for den Norske laegeforening 11/2006; 126(20):2648-51.
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Terje Terjesen
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ABSTRACT: The aims of the present study were to assess the development of hip dysplasia in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy and to evaluate the factors that influence the progression.
76 children, 42 with spastic quadriplegia and 34 with diplegia, were included in the study. Their mean age at the first radiographic examination was 3.5 (1-11) years. The patients were followed up until operative treatment (54 subjects) or until the most recent radiograph in those who did not undergo hip surgery. The mean length of follow-up was 4.8 (1-13) years. On the initial and most recent radiographs, the migration percentage (MP) was measured, which is the percentage of the femoral head lateral to the acetabular rim.
The mean MP of the side with the largest displacement was 25% (-18-66) at the initial radiographic examination and 51% (9-100) at the last follow-up. The mean increase in MP was 7% (-2-33) per year. Linear multiple regression revealed that gait function and age were the most important variables that influenced the rate of MP progression. Children who could not walk had significantly greater MP progression per year (12%) than those who walked with or without support (2%). In the quadriplegics, the maximal yearly increase in MP was 13% under 5 years of age and 7% in older children. This difference was statistically significant, whereas no significant difference in relation to patient age was seen in the diplegics.
There is a pronounced trend towards displacement of the hips in quadriplegic CP patients who are under 5 years of age and cannot walk. Because hip dislocation may lead to severe problems, close follow-up is important in finding the appropriate time for hip surgery in order to avoid progression towards dislocation. The risk of severe hip dysplasia is considerably less in spastic diplegia.
Acta Orthopaedica 03/2006; 77(1):125-31. · 2.17 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Three-dimensional gait analysis is a systematic measurement, description, and assessment of human gait. Gait analysis is established as a useful diagnostic tool in patients with gait problems, as it is not possible to obtain an adequate and detailed understanding of such a complex mechanism as gait in a conventional clinical examination. The method has provided a better understanding of both normal gait and abnormal gait patterns; it is a suitable instrument for evaluation of treatment results as well as for scientific work. The first gait laboratory for clinical use in Norway was established in 2002 in the Section for child neurology at Rikshospitalet University Hospital in Oslo, Norway. In this article the procedure for gait analysis is described and the clinical value is indicated by a case record of a child with cerebral palsy. Gait analysis has entailed a change of policy with regard to surgical treatment in this patient group. Previously, operative intervention at a single level was usual, whereas current practice involves simultaneous interventions at several levels of both lower extremities. After three years' experience we recommend gait analysis in routine diagnostics, particularly as a preoperative evaluation, in all children with gait problems and in the follow up after surgery or other treatment.
Tidsskrift for den Norske laegeforening 09/2005; 125(15):2014-6.
