).Spasticity presents as muscular hypertonia and hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex, which are typical of upper motor neuron syndrome. 1,2 Physiopathologically, spasticity is due to the medullar and supramedullar alteration of the afferent and efferent pathways. Treatment is multidisciplinary and involves the collaboration of rehabilitators, neurophysiologists, neurologists, pediatricians, orthopaedic surgeons, and psychologists, who all contribute with their different therapeutic aspects and characteristics (which can be pharmacological, peripheral neurological blockages, surgical, etc.). 2,3 The characteristic posture of the upper extremities in spastic cerebral palsy is the inward rotation of the shoulder, flexion of the elbow and pronated forearm, flexion of the wrist with ulnar deviation, and the deformity of the fingers (flexion contracture, swan-neck, and thumbs-in-palm). [4][5][6] The primary objectives in these patients will be to improve communication with their surroundings, to perform activities of daily living, and to increase mobility and walking.
Control of Spasticity Nonsurgical Management OptionsThe treatment of spasticity is highly dependent on the time since injury and the prognosis for recovery. In the period of neurologic recovery, temporizing interventions are most appropriate because permanent changes may result in the chronic imbalance of forces across joints. The prevention of additional complications, such as disuse muscle atrophy, joint contractures, heterotopic ossification, and peripheral neuropathies, is critical in optimizing functional outcome. 2,4,7 Several treatment choices are available, including cast and splint use, oral drug therapy, intrathecal baclofen, chemodenervation, neurolytic blocks, phenol blocks, and botulinum toxin (BoNT) blocks. 2,6,7
Cast and Splint UseIn addition to a variety of medical regimens to be discussed, various casting or splinting techniques can provide temporary relief of spasticity. Casting helps maintain muscle fiber length and diminishes muscle tone by decreasing sensory input and providing a structural impediment to spastic contracture. Changed on a weekly basis, serial casts can be used to correct joint contractures and is successful for contractures present < 6 months. Although there is some effect on spasticity, this is generally not a practical treatment modality. Dynamic splinting has a very limited role in treating spastic contractures and may even exacerbate the situation by triggering increased muscle tone. Both dynamic splints and serial casting may be very helpful after surgical release to correct the residual static component. As an adjunct, local anesthetic nerve blocks are helpful prior to cast application as they relieve spasticity and improve limb positioning. [6][7][8][9] Oral Drug Therapy Several oral antispastic agents may be used during this period; however, it is critical to understand the strengths Keywords ► spasticity ► hypertonia ► cerebral palsy ► nonsurgical treatment ► surgical treatment
AbstractAs the physiologic ...