Orthopedic management of spasticity in cerebral palsy.

INTRODUCTION: This article summarizes our experience with cerebral palsy. The primary and secondary deformities that occur with cerebral palsy are described, followed by a brief overview of the nature and role of gait analysis in the treatment of gait problems in cerebral palsy. The concept of lever-arm dysfunction is introduced. DISCUSSION: Our current treatment program is then presented and subsequently illustrated by two case examples. Finally, an outcomes analysis of a group of patients with spastic diplegia treated with selective dorsal rhizotomy is presented to illustrate our current method of evaluating treatment outcomes and the need for team management in the treatment of this complex condition.