Brain injury

The effect of injury to the brain extends beyond its cognitive function. Muscles and joints are profoundly affected. This often leads to restricted functions and contractures of joints. Independent mobility is a key element of human life and is fundamentally important to our wellbeing.

Spasticity due to brain injury may be temporarily managed with oral drug therapy ( Baclofen, dantrolene etc) , casts and splints, phenol blocks or botulinum toxin blocks. Many disabilities and contractures can be effectively managed by physiotherapy under trained therapists and using splints.

Some fail to improve with physical and occupational therapy as they cannot effect a permanent change in motor control.

Surgery is a powerful rehabilitation tool. It is often the only treatment that can correct a limb deformity or improve function. Surgery should not be considered a treatment of last resort when “conservative” measures have failed. Operate early, before deformities are severe and fixed.

Commonly performed procedures are contracture releases, muscle slides and muscle / tendon transfers