Affiliations: [a] Director, Neuro-Orthopaedic Program, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Professor of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation Medicine, Temple University Health Sciences Center | [b] Director, Drucker Brain Injury Center, Director, Motor Control Analysis Laboratory, MossRehab Hospital, Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine, Temple University Health Sciences Center | [c] Director, Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory, MossRehab Hospital, Associate Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine, Temple University Health Sciences Center | [d] Attending Physiatrist, Drucker Brain Injury Center, MossRehab Hospital, Clinical Instructor of Rehabilitation Medicine, Temple University Health Sciences Center
Correspondence:
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MossRehab Hospital, 1200 W. Tabor Road, Philadelphia, PA 19141, USA. Tel.: +1 215 456 9560; Fax: +1 215 456 9579
Abstract: This article describes a neuro-orthopacdic approach to the functional problems of patients with an upper motoneuron syndrome after acquired brain injury. Typical patterns of upper motoneuron deformity are diagnostically evaluated to identify which muscles contribute dynamically and statically to observed deformity and impaired motor control. Dynamic EMG, gait and motion analysis and diagnostic nerve blocks frequently provide detailed information about specific muscle groups that guide neuro-orthopaedic decision making. Based on such information, neuro-orthopaedic procedures are done to improve passive and active function by rebalancing muscle forces that cause deformity and dysfunction across joints and limb segments.
