Examination of thoracic deformities in patients with different clinical types of cerebral palsy

Abstract

Aim: Cerebral Palsy is a clinical condition that causes permanent but non-progressive damage to the developing brain and can affect multiple systems. This study aimed to evaluate functional levels by assessing thoracic deformities across different clinical types of cerebral palsy (CP) and by gender, while also comparing anthropometric measurements between individuals with CP and a healthy control group.

Materials and Methods: Between the ages of 6 and 12 years, a total of 154 patients diagnosed with cerebral palsy (91 males, 63 females) and 40 healthy individuals (20 males, 20 females) were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, clinical type of CP, secondary findings, thoracic deformity, anthropometric measurements, and functionality levels were obtained from the patients. A tape measure and caliper were used for anthropometric measurements.

Results: The results indicated that the spastic type was the most prevalent clinical presentation of CP, with intellectual disability being the most common secondary problem. Among thoracic deformities, pectus excavatum was the most frequent anterior chest wall deformity, observed in 9.52% of females and 16.48% of males. Scoliosis was the most common spinal deformity, affecting 26.98% of females and 21.98% of males. Functionally, most patients were classified at GMFCS level II and Ambulation Group 1, although thoracic deformities were more prevalent in Group 2 patients. Furthermore, anthropometric measurements of patients with CP were significantly lower than those of healthy individuals, with statistically significant differences observed between Group 1, Group 2, and the healthy control group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Cerebral palsy has a substantial impact on anthropometric measurements, musculoskeletal integrity, and the functional performance of the patients. Consequently, regular monitoring of the thoracic area is essential. The inclusion of thoracic evaluations in routine follow-up and treatment plans will likely have a positive impact on the disease's progression.