Management of the upper limb in cerebral palsy

Abstract

The management of the upper limb in children with cerebral palsy (CP) is complex and challenging, requiring a co-ordinated, multidisciplinary approach. The management team may include developmental paediatricians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, orthotists and upper extremity surgeons from an orthopaedic or plastic surgery background. Interventions are generally aimed at improving function and cosmesis by various combinations of motor training, strengthening, spasticity management, movement disorder management and the prevention of contractures and other fixed deformities by effective splinting and positioning. Movement disorders may respond to oral medications but when severe, ma..