Are knee kinematic anomalies in swing due to rectus femoris spasticity different from those due to femoral anteversion in children with cerebral palsy? A quantitative evaluation using 3D gait analysis

J Pediatr Orthop B. 2010 May;19(3):221-5. doi: 10.1097/BPB.0b013e32833390ca.

Abstract

Quantitative comparison of gait strategy between stiff knee gait caused by rectus femoris spasticity versus that caused by femoral anteversion was the objective of this study. Twenty-three diplegic were divided into group 1 (excessive femoral anteversion without rectus femoris spasticity) and group 2 (normal femoral anteversion and rectus femoris spasticity). Both groups showed low knee flexion during swing (KMSw), but although group 1 exhibited normal KMSw timing and high hip intrarotation, group 2 presented delayed KMSw timing, with normal hip rotation. Reduced KMSw may be because of two different conditions: excessive femoral anteversion, leading only to KMSw reduction, and rectus femoris spasticity, inducing coexistence of reduced KMSw and its delayed timing.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cerebral Palsy / physiopathology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Electromyography
  • Femur / physiopathology*
  • Gait*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Knee Joint / physiopathology*
  • Muscle Spasticity / physiopathology
  • Quadriceps Muscle / physiopathology*