The upper extremity evaluation for people with
cerebral palsy is critical. A thorough evaluation process includes several
components. It is often recommend to come in on more than one day so
professionals can have the opportunity to see you/your child under different
conditions as we know
spasticity can have subtle and not so subtle changes day
to day and with nervousness.
Since everyone moves their hands and arms
differently and has different strategies to get things done, the team also
wants the opportunity to fully appreciate the individual characteristics of
each patient. It is always helpful for your orthopedic team to have
evaluations and progress reports from the therapists and doctors that are
working with you/your child to further their understanding of all the patient’s
strengths and needs.
The pre-surgical evaluation for patients with cerebral
palsy (CP) includes typical rehabilitation assessments such as range of motion
(ROM), sensory testing, timed movement tests and an activities of daily living
(ADL) assessment. A video tape (in order to prevent you/your child from having
to do tasks repeatedly) is often useful. A test called dynamic
electromyography (EMG) may also be recommended.
Completing the evaluation may
include giving the patient time to develop goals and skills through
pre-operative exercises and splinting. This and the fact that surgery is most
often elective and able to be planned at the family’s convenience, means
that from the first visit to surgery can be anywhere from 2 months to over a
year.
