Prevalence, Regional Distribution and Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Caregivers of Children with Cerebral Palsy Following Multilevel Surgery

BACKGROUND: Caregivers of children with cerebral palsy undergoing multilevel lower extremity surgery are predisposed to various musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence, regional distribution and risk factors of MSD in caregivers of postoperative with non operative children. METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional survey with group-1 comprised 162 care givers of a child with cerebral palsy who underwent multi level lower extremity surgery. The group-2 consisted of 168 care givers of ambulatory children with other orthopedic problems visiting the centre. The caregivers completed a questionnaire comprising of ten questions and the modified care givers strain index. Care givers who were found to have musculoskeletal symptoms were subsequently assessed and treated. RESULTS: 87.1% in the group-1 and 21.4% in the group-2 reported musculoskeletal pain or discomfort. Excessive mental stress (group-1 85%, group-2 32%) and sleep disturbance (group-1 48.46%, group-2 28.57%) was documented in the care givers. The mean modified care giver strain index was 10 +/- 14.79 in group-1 and 9 +/- 6.58 in group-2. The commonest MSD diagnoses were Myofascial Pain Syndrome (81%), Fibromyalgia (58%) and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (55%). CONCLUSIONS: Lifting and carrying the child during the non-ambulatory phase of rehabilitation was the chief cause of pain in symptomatic carers along with mental stress, sleep disturbance and physical fatigue.