Upper Extremity Surgery in Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Involvement of the upper extremity in cerebral palsy often results in a typical pattern of spasticity, with elbow flexion, forearm pronation, ulnar deviation and flexion of the wrist, and adduction-flexion posture of the thumb. Although only a relatively small subset of cerebral palsy patients are candidates for surgery, properly selected patients and procedures yield a reasonable improvement. Nonsurgical treatment modalities include physical therapy, orthoses, and medications aimed at decreasing spasticity. Surgical options for the management of the spastic upper extremity vary with the specific parts, however they are focused around three basic principles: weakening the overactive muscle/tendons, strengthening the underactive muscle/tendons, and stabilizing non-stable joints. Surgical management of the spastic upper limb in cerebral palsy requires meticulous evaluation and planning. It is important to know that upper extremity deformities are secondary manifestations of the cerebral injury. Therefore, in addition to evaluation of upper extremity function, consideration should be given to the intelligence and motivation of the patient, and voluntary use of the upper extremity. Prior to surgery, the overall level of function needs to be considered. These are also important details for the patients and their families, who should know that surgery is aimed at improving the upper extremity deformity, and not the primary disorder. Appropriately indicated surgery can significantly contribute to upper extremity function.