CEREBRAL PALSY: NEW APPROACHES IN REHABILITATIVE ORTHOPEDICS

Key words: Cerebral palsy, Orthopedics, Gait analysis, Rehabilitation

Gross motor impairment and functional disability is a constant component of cerebral palsy. Over time, hypertonia or hypotonia may cause bone deformities and joint dislocations, which cause further impairment and functional problems. Quantitative functional assessment through gait analysis is a new technique which provides useful guidance for functional rehabilitation programmes and allows a precise evaluation of orthotic, surgical or pharmacological treatments.