Affiliations: Childrens Orthopaedic Center, Childrens Hospital Los
Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA | Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern
California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Deirdre D. Ryan, M.D., Childrens
Orthopaedic Center, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd., M/S 69,
Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA. E-mail: dryan@chla.usc.edu
Abstract: Musculoskeletal deficits remain significant impediments to the
function and independence of children and adolescents following successful
treatment of Central Nervous System Tumors (CNS)tumors. The sequelae often
impair the function of the upper and lower extremities and manifest themselves
as difficulties in gross and fine motor skills, which encompasses self care and
walking. Overall, the five-year survival rate for children younger than 15
years with brain tumors is between 60 to 90 percent [1,5,9,13]. Approximately
two-thirds of survivors have long term neurological deficits [30]. These
neurologic deficits often manifest themselves as musculoskeletal abnormalities.
It is essential to recognize the potential consequences of a CNS
tumor and its associated treatments in an effort to prevent disability.
Following the initial neurosurgical and oncologic treatment, the acute and
chronic stages of the orthopaedic care for these patients differ significantly.
Many of the rehabilitation and treatment principles for brain tumor patients
have evolved from the principles used in stroke and traumatic brain injury.
Orthopaedic treatment specifically includes preventing, identifying, and
treating spasticity, contractures, bony and spinal deformities, and gait
abnormalities.
