Article PDF first page preview

First page of Better Understanding the Orthopaedic Burden of Neurosurgical Intervention for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy in Pediatric Patients

Background Hemispherectomies, hemispherotomies and lobectomies of the brain are neurosurgical techniques used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). While effective for seizure control, these neurosurgical interventions can produce significant functional deficits including hemiparesis and iatrogenic cerebral palsy. In this study, we aim to evaluate the resulting MSK pathology following surgery for DRE so that we may establish the incidence of new MSK pathology, identify risk factors for developing MSK pathology, and guide orthopaedic follow-up care. Methods A retrospective chart review of 168 pediatric patients who underwent a brain hemispherectomy, hemispherotomy, or lobectomy between 2009 and 2018 was performed. Data including pre-existing neurological and orthopaedic conditions, presence of MSK pathology that emerged post-neurosurgical procedure, documented referral to orthopaedics, and postoperative interventions were collected. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to correlate predictive variables with the risk for developing new MSK pathology. Results Of the 168 patients included, 45.2% (n=76) developed a new MSK condition post-operatively. Of those with new MSK pathology, 30.3% (23) received orthopaedic follow-up. Of those, 34.8% (8) underwent a subsequent orthopaedic surgery. The median time to diagnosis of emerging MSK pathology following neurosurgical intervention was 0.7 months (range: 0-128 months), while the median time from emergence of symptoms to orthopaedic follow-up was 9.5 months (range: 2-161 months). Of the 28 patients who had MSK pathology prior to neurosurgical intervention, 42.8% (n=12) were seen by orthopaedic providers following neurosurgery, of which 58.3% (n=7) required orthopaedic surgery. Older age at the time of initial neurological surgery was significantly associated with decreased risk for developing new postoperative MSK pathology (OR 0.985, 95% CI 0.979 – 0.911, p<0.001), while repeat or revision neurosurgery was associated with increased risk (OR 3.728 95% CI 1.530–9.083, p<0.01). Conclusion Pediatric patients who undergo hemispherectomies, hemispherotomies or lobectomies for DRE are subject to a significant post-operative burden of MSK disease, yet less than 1/3 of newly-affected patients receive orthopaedic follow-up – highlighting a gap between the need for and provision of orthopaedic care in this population.

Journal Section:
Research Article
This content is only available via PDF.
S. Karger AG, Basel
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
2025
You do not currently have access to this content.