To know the effectiveness of a custom molded fitting chair between pre- and post-chair status through comparison of musculoskeletal indices in severely disabled children.
We researched 34 severely disabled patients who had used a custom molded fitting chair continuously for more than a year. There were 27 cerebral palsy patients and 7 patients with other kinds of diseases that affect the brain such as chromosomal disease or metabolic disease. By radiographic studies, Cobb's angle, the femoral neck-shaft angle of the femur, and Reimers migration percentage were measured. The indices are analyzed before and after application.
The average period of application was 24 months. There was a significant reduction in the angles of femur neck-shaft, 163.4 degree before and 158.2 degree after the use of the chair (p<0.05), and 23 of 34 had demonstrated a reduced angle. Cobb's angle and Reimers migration percentage increased but the difference of pre- and post-chair status was not statistically significant. Seventeen of 33 children showed reduced Cobb's angle. Also, 19 of 37 showed a reduced degree of dislocation of the hip joints.
In spite of the use of a custom molded fitting chair, a significant improvement did not emerge for musculoskeletal deformity indices in severely disabled children. However, there was no significant aggravation of Cobb's angle or Reimers migration percentage in developing children. Therefore, it is thought be helpful to prevent rapid aggravation of musculoskeletal deformities.
Citations
Objective: The purpose of this study is to survey the health and functional status of adult cerebral palsy.
Method: This study included 47 patients who have cerebral palsy between the ages of 20 and 45 years. We evaluated the functional status by the interview and questionnaire, the medical status including a detailed medical history, with emphasis on the musculoskeletal system.
Results: 1) In the functional status, the number of non-functional ambulator increased from ten cases (21.3%) to fourteen cases (29.8%) in proportion to the incidence of fracture. 2) In the medical status, thirty-seven cases (78.8%) had more than one musculoskeletal complaint. Twenty-three cases (48.9%) had gastric discomfort, twenty-five cases (53.2%) had dental caries and thirty cases (63.9%) had speech disturbance. 3) Only eleven cases (23.4%) had undergone the comprehensive rehabilitation.
Conclusion: To prevent and minimize the physical disabilities and musculoskeletal complications of adult cerebral palsy, we need more active medical intervention, active research on the methodology and comprehensive rehabilitation.