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.