Surgery of the upper extremity in cerebral palsy

Abstract

Functional activities of the upper extremity are limited in most individuals with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP). However, surgical interventions are applied in less than 20% of pediatric patients with an upper extremity affected by CP. This article covers the surgical interventions used for the reconstruction of the upper limb in patients with CP. The optimal surgical approach for each deformity type is described. In addition, the various evaluation techniques of the upper extremity, the general principles of an operative treatment plan, and the appropriate postoperative care of these patients is presented.