Assessment and management of the lower extremity in cerebral palsy.

For all lower extremity problems in children with cerebral palsy, early attention to overactive spastic muscle groups can aid in preventing bony deformities under most situations. More severely involved children need more aggressive treatment, with early soft tissue procedures to attempt balance of muscle groups surrounding joints. Early aggressive management of soft tissue problems can avoid long-term bony deformity and more severe posturing problems in the lower extremities of children with cerebral palsy.