Orthopaedic Management of Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Orthopaedic surgery appears to have established a permanent and important place in the of cerebral palsy. So writes Eugene E. Bleck, who, drawing from his understanding and experience, has written what may well prove the definitive review of this subject. The book's format follows the clinical classification of cerebral palsy, with chapters devoted to its three main forms—hemiplegia, diplegia, and total body involvement. A thorough outline of Orthopaedic Assessment (including methods for documenting findings such as photographic recordings and pedographs), a provocative presentation of Neurobiology, Prognosis and Structural Changes, and a sensible outline of Goals and Methods of Treatment, which stresses management tempered by social consideration (The goal of treatment is a healthy functionally independent person, not a permanent patient), round out the text. The anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of all major spastic deformities are discussed. Clinical examination, indications for surgery, alternative techniques (eg, myoneural block and biofeedback), operative