Prevalence of Scoliosis in Cerebral Palsy

Summaiya Zareen Shaikh; Anushree Kailas Gurav

Summaiya Zareen Shaikh Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, D.Y. Patil University, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Anushree Kailas Gurav Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, D.Y. Patil University, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6183-7515

Keywords: Cerebral Palsy, Functional/ Structural Scoliosis, GMFCS Level, Rib/ Flank Prominence, Convexity

Abstract

Background: Significant structural deformity of the spine often accompanies cerebral palsy. Progression of curve will eventually lead to pain, loss of ambulation, sitting balance. The aetiology of scoliosis in CP has yet to be well defined.

Objective: The objective of this study was to find incidence of scoliosis in different sub-types of cerebral palsy.
Method: A total population of 30 children with cerebral palsy aged 5 to 20 years followed with examination and assessment for scoliosis in a health care setting was analysed. GMFCS level, CP subtype, age at diagnosis, gender dominance of the condition were correlates registered. Effect of 5 factors on progression of the curve and type of scoliosis dominant in cerebral palsy was studied.

Results: Of the 30 subjects initially enrolled in the study,19 of them with scoliosis in which incidence of 28% was found among spastic quadriplegia followed by 24% in diplegia. The risk of scoliosis increased with GMFCS level and age.22% of children showed moderate scoliosis with respect to scoliosis appearance questionnaire.

Conclusions: Scoliosis was most common in the spastic group with the highest incidence in the spastic quadriplegics. There was a definite inverse relationship between the level of ambulation and scoliosis: the higher the level of ambulation the lower the incidence of scoliosis. Moderate scoliosis was found because progression of curve is expected to continue until skeletal maturity.

How to cite this article:
Shaikh SZ, Gurav AK. Prevalence of Scoliosis in Cerebral Palsy. Ind J Youth Adol Health 2020; 7(3): 20-25.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2349.2880.202014

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