Article

The flexible derotator is one of the therapeutic resources used to
combat primary and secondary abnormalities in walking cerebral palsy children. It
was developed to reduce abnormal femoral and tibial torsions and lessen the
latter's negative functional impact. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of
wearing a flexible derotator on anatomic and functional parameters in walking
cerebral palsy children. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of walking
cerebral palsy children by gathering data on bone-related parameters (femoral and
tibial torsion) and functional parameters (distance and speed gait, and the
energy expenditure index (EEI)). Fifteen walking cerebral palsy children were
treated with the flexible derotator for one year and 15 untreated walking
cerebral palsy children were included as controls. The two groups were compared
in terms of the various parameters' change over time between the initial
examination (the last examination prior to the start of the study or prior to use
of the flexible derotator) and the final examination (after one year of
follow-up). RESULTS: Right femoral anteversion and right and left external tibial
torsion improved. There was a significant increase in distance and speed gait and
a decrease in the EEI in walking cerebral palsy children. CONCLUSION: Our
retrospective study revealed a significant improvement in functional parameters
in children with cerebral palsy, as a result of wearing the flexible derotator
for at least 6hours a day for a year. Bone parameters only improved slightly. Use
of the flexible derotator could improve these children's quality of life.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS ; FRANCAIS