Ultrasound findings in painful spastic hip. Muscle thickness in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Background In cerebral palsy (CP), spasticity is the dominant symptom and hip pain is one of the most common secondary conditions. Aetiology is not clear. Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) is a low-cost, non-invasive imaging technique that allows assessment of structural status, dynamic imaging, and quick contralateral comparison. Objective A retrospective case-matched-control study. To investigate associated factors with painful spastic hip and to compare ultrasound findings (focusing on muscle thickness) in children with CP vs. typically developing (TD) peers. Setting Paediatric Rehabilitation Hospital in Mexico City, from August to November 2018. Participants 21 children (13 male, 7 + 4.26 years) with CP, in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels IV to V, with spastic hip diagnosis (cases) and 21 children age- and sex-matched (7 + 4.28 years) TD peers (controls). Characteristically data Sociodemographic data, CP topography, degree of spasticity, mobility arch, contractures, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), GMFCS, measurements of the volumes of eight major muscles of the hip joint and MSUS findings of both hips. Results All children with CP group reported chronic hip pain. Associated factors for hip pain (high VAS hip pain score) were degree of hip displacement (percentage of migration), Ashworth Level, GMFCS level V. No synovitis, bursitis or tendinopathy was found. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in muscle volumes in all hip muscles (right and left) except in the right and left adductor longus. Conclusion Though possibly the most important issue with diminished muscle growth in CP children is the influence on their long-term function, it is likely that training routines that build muscle size may also increase muscle strength and improve function in this population. To improve the choice of treatments in this group and maintain muscle mass, longitudinal investigations of the natural history of muscular deficits in CP as well as the impact of intervention are needed.

Current Concept and Management of Spastic Hip in Children: A Narrative Review

“…Among the various manifestations of CP, spasticity in the hip joint poses significant challenges in terms of management and overall quality of life for affected individuals [1]. The spastic hip can lead to pain, deformities, and limitations in mobility, which can further impede activities of daily living and participation in society [2]. The spastic hip seen in cerebral palsy has been the focus of several therapeutic efforts throughout the years, ranging from conservative medicine to surgical correction.…”