Cobb angle measurement and pelvic inclination in children with spastic cerebral palsy: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to determine the correlation between pelvic inclinations and spinal alignment in children with cerebral patsy.Material and Methods: Sixty children with spastic cerebral palsy from both sexes, aged 5 to 10 years, only with grade 1 or 1+ on the Ashworth scale, who can stand independently without assistive devices level I, II according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS)were selected. All children were assessed for measuring pelvic inclination using pelvic inclinometer and spinal alignment using radiological X-rays, and then measuringthe Cobb angle and correlation between the results.Results: There was a significant moderate positive correlation between the right anterior pelvic tilt and thelordotic Cobb's angle (r = 0.314, p = 0.01) and a significant weak positive correlation between left anterior pelvic tilt and Lordotic Cobb angle (r = 0.268, p = 0.03). However; there was a moderate negative significant correlation between the right anterior pelvic tilt and kyphotic Cobb's angle (r = -0.313, p = 0.01) and a significant weak negative correlation between left anterior pelvic tilt and kyphotic Cobb angle (r = -0.27, p = 0.03).Discussion: The extent of the lumbar Lordotic curve and the degree of pelvic inclination in a standing position are associated with the muscle lengths of the sagittal-plane pelvic rotators and the performance (strength) of the abdominal muscleswhich are affected in a patient with cerebral patsy (as they have weakness in core muscles). The rehabilitation program for children with cerebral palsy should include pelvic tilt correction and core stability exercise.