Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is caused due to irreversible damage to the brain, which occurs before, during or after birth. This results in tightness of muscles in the limbs and occasionally in the trunk as well.

Children with cerebral palsy are commonly referred to as 'spastic' children. The orthopaedic treatment involves physiotherapy, using certain medications like Botox injections to reduce the tightness and surgery. Surgeries like correction of contractures, tendon transfer to balance muscles and bony surgeries are performed to correct deformities and stabilize joints. These include pelvic osteotomies to stabilize hip and foot stabilization procedures.

Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy

Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy is one among the severe types of birth injuries. The Incidence of OBPP in new born babies is 1.5/1000 birth. The child with shoulder dystocia has 100 times greater risk and large babies have 14 times greater risk, whereas twin or multiple pregnancy and caesarian section have protective effect. I have been treating children with this condition and routinely perform reconstructive procedures like contracture release, corrective osteotomies and modified quads procedure.

Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is a hereditary condition where there will be progressive weakness of upper and lower limbs due to a defect in the muscle. The problem may start at a very young age or during adolescence depending on the type of problem. The common types are Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies. These children require surgeries to correct limb or spine deformities or to stabilize the hip joints.