Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Complications of Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Author(s): Alexander Abdou, Eli Spector, Sonam Sidhu, Devendra K. Agrawal

Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) frequently results in lower extremity musculoskeletal complications that cause disabling mobility loss and reduced quality of life. This review consolidates current understanding of these common complications, encompassing bony deformities (e.g., scoliosis, femoral anteversion, patella alta, ankle equinus), joint changes due to spasticity and contractures (e.g., hip subluxation, knee flexion contractures), spinal degeneration (e.g., cervical stenosis, lumbosacral spondylolisthesis), and neurologic dysfunction manifesting as pain and weakness. These pathologies are generally progressive, driven by impaired motor control, muscle spasticity, and shortened muscle-tendon units. By providing a comprehensive framework, this paper highlights the critical points facilitating a healthcare provider to recognize and understand these complications, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.