Methods of bracing in the rehabilitation of the paraplegic child

Abstract

Walking should be started in congenital paraplegia at 14 to 18 months. An appliance consisting of two calipers joined to a body brace is used to support the paralysed legs and trunk by the three-point pressure system. Rigidity of the appliance is essential in the young child and allows the development of the rocking gait. In the older child less rigidity is required and hip joints are introduced facilitating the development of a hinged type of gait. Hip and knee joints enable the child to sit. Other appliances such as the Parapodium and the Shrewsbury splint are discussed. Rigidity of the ankle joints is recommended. The results of orthopaedic rehabilitation in 148 cases of severe paraplegia are given. The ideal requirements of a brace in congenital paraplegia are listed. The advantages of ambulation in severe congenital paraplegia are discussed. © 1973 Nature Publishing Group.