Comparing Surgery for Ambulatory and Non-Ambulatory Children

Movement and muscle coordination are impacted by cerebral palsy (CP). This condition also affects the quality of life. This condition can be really serious to the point that sometimes surgery is the last resort to improve mobility and improve the quality of life.

However, the surgeries differ for children who can walk (ambulatory) versus those who cannot (non-ambulatory). Let's continue reading as we explore the differences and other aspects of these surgeries.

What is Cerebral Palsy Orthopaedic Surgery?

Let’s first start by understanding what cerebral palsy orthopedic surgery is. This surgery aims to correct musculoskeletal issues caused by CP, such as

·        Muscle Tightness

·        Joint Deformities

·        Abnormal Bone Growth

This surgery aims to improve mobility, reduce pain, and improve overall function. Common procedures of this surgery include tendon lengthening, muscle releases, and osteotomies (bone realignment).

Should My Child Undergo Surgery?

Are you sceptical about whether your child needs surgery? That depends on various factors, including your child's mobility and level of discomfort. Before surgery, it is recommended to try different treatments and monitor their response, then decide on the best course of action.

However, there are a few times when surgery is typically considered the best alternative:

·        Walking becomes painful or inefficient for ambulatory children.

·        Contractures or deformities worsen over time, affecting movement.

·        Non-ambulatory children experience discomfort, joint stiffness, or difficulty with positioning.

·        Joint dislocation specially hip joint dislocation need urgent surgery.

Orthopaedic Treatment Options for Cerebral Palsy

The main type of cerebral palsy surgery is either Ambulatory or Non-Ambulatory, here is more about it:

For Ambulatory: This type of surgery for ambulatory children often focuses on improving walking efficiency and reducing strain. This is a common procedure of this surgery.

Single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS): This addresses multiple muscle and bone issues in one operation

Tendon lengthening: this helps with short muscle tendon length that limit movement

Osteotomies: this is recommended to correct bone misalignment to enhance gait stability. 

For non-ambulatory: non-ambulatory children, surgery focuses on comfort, positioning, and preventing complications. This procedure looks like this:

·        Hip reconstruction prevents painful dislocations common in CP

·        Spinal surgery treats severe scoliosis that can affect breathing and sitting posture

·        Osteotomy / tendon lengthening to alleviate stiffness that can make daily care and positioning easier.

Final Thoughts

Cerebral palsy orthopaedic surgery is not a perfect fit for all levels of this problem. Whether your child is ambulatory or non-ambulatory, the decision of having a surgery should always be based on their specific needs, long-term goals, and medical advice.

That is why consulting with an experienced orthopaedic specialist is important, as they will help you determine the best course of action to improve your child’s mobility and comfort.