Abstract
Physical therapy for children undergoing gradual lengthening and correction of their lower limb deformities is a highly specialized area requiring customized care for optimal surgical outcomes. Without appropriately supervised physical therapy, patients may be at an increased risk for permanent complications such as contractures, nerve palsy, and joint subluxation. A patient undergoing gradual correction requires supportive caretakers and compliance with physical therapy sessions (typically 3–5 days per week) so that early detection of these complications is feasible. An experienced physical therapist, working alongside the medical team, can allow the patient to return to age appropriate activities after lengthening and deformity correction is completed. A sustained and customized physical therapy program, including a diligent home exercise program and appropriate use of orthoses, helps optimize clinical outcomes.
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Bhave, A., Baker, E., Campbell, M. (2016). Physical Therapy During Limb Lengthening and Deformity Correction: Principles and Techniques. In: Sabharwal, S. (eds) Pediatric Lower Limb Deformities. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17097-8_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17097-8_12
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-17096-1
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-17097-8
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