Effect of postoperative physiotherapy on children with spastic diplegia- quantitative assessment

Dr. Sunish Zachariah; Dr. Mathangi Santhosh Kumar; Dr. Nilesh Ghorpade; Dr. Shiraz Bhatty; Dr. Yesh Veer Singh

Volume : IX, Issue : VIII, August - 2020

Effect of postoperative physiotherapy on children with spastic diplegia- quantitative assessment

Dr. Sunish Zachariah, Dr. Mathangi Santhosh Kumar, Dr. Nilesh Ghorpade, Dr. Shiraz Bhatty, Dr. Yesh Veer Singh

Abstract :

Objectives: This study assessed the effect of physiotherapy on functional outcome following soft tissue release in children with spastic diplegia. Material and methods: This prospective study was conducted in Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana. A population–based sample of 50 children with spastic diplegia aged 5–15 years (mean 9.96) was taken. The children had soft tissue releases for deformity correction and gait deviations. Functional outcome was assessed using functional independence measure and functional mobility scale. Muscle spasticity was graded using modified Ashworth Scale. Outcome was assessed at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months post operatively. Results: Spasticity in adductor muscles of hip was less in patients who underwent regular physiotherapy postoperatively (p = 0.049). In other muscle groups the results were not statistically significant. Functional outcome though was better in children who underwent physiotherapy was not found to be statistically significant (p = 0.054). Conclusion: There was a significant increase in muscle spasticity in children with spastic diplegia who did not undergo postoperative physiotherapy after soft tissue release. Functional outcome though affected was not significantly changed by the end of one year