Long-term physical therapy management following a single-event multiple level surgery.
OBJECTIVE
This case report provides an overview of surgical procedures, including single-event multiple level surgery (SEMLS) used in the management of secondary conditions in cerebral palsy (CP). Physical therapy (PT) management over 35 months following SEMLS is described for an adolescent (Gross Motor Function Classification System level II) with CP.


CONCLUSIONS
When conservative management is not sufficient to manage secondary complications, SEMLS, combined with PT and family support, may provide the foundation for greater functional improvement than surgical correction of a single impairment. The outcome measures used following SEMLS included the Gross Motor Function Measure-66, Activity Scale for Kidsperformance38, goniometry, manual muscle testing, and Numerical Pain Rating Scale.


CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative functional level can be exceeded and sustained beyond 24 months following surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Rehabilitation following a SEMLS requires teamwork and a long-term commitment to maximize outcomes.
Oakland University Rochester, Michigan 48309, USA. mdkondra@oakland.edu
Melodie
M
Kondratek
Holly
H
McCollum
Angela
A
Garland
D000293:Adolescent; D018771:Arthralgia; D053587:Arthrometry, Articular; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D018450:Disease Progression; D005684:Gait; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006621:Hip Joint; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D053580:Muscle Strength; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011184:Postoperative Period; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013997:Time Factors