Examination of thorax deformities in different clinical TYPES of patients with cerebral palsy

Aim: We aimed to examine the thorax deformities according to gender in different clinical types of CP, which affects more than one system, to determine the functionality levels and to reveal the significant relationship between healthy individuals and patients of anthropometric measurements. Material and Method: Our study was conducted aged 6-12 years with 154 (91 male, 63 female) CP patients and 40 (20 male, 20 female) healthy individuals. Demographic information, CP clinical type, secondary findings, respiratory type and rate, thorax deformity, anthropometric measurements and independence levels were obtained from the patients. A tape measure and caliper were used for anthropometric measurements. Results: When we look at the clinical distribution of CP, the most spastic type is seen, %50.79 in women and %67.03 in men. In patients with spastic type, quadriplegic was most common in women and hemiplegic in men. The disease is accompanied by secondary problems, mostly mental retardation. The mean respiratory rate of the patients was lower than the healthy individuals and the most common type of combined breathing was observed. In thorax deformities, PE (%9.52 female and %16.48 male) deformity was the most common in the anterior chest wall, while scoliosis (%26.98 female and %21.98 male) was seen in spinal deformities. While patients are mostly in GMFCS level II, they are mostly in Group 1 according to ambulation level. Thoracal deformities are more common in Group 2 patients. The anthropometric measurements of the patients were lower than the healthy individuals. A significant difference was found between Group 1, Group 2 and healthy groups in terms of anthropometric measurements. Conclusion: Our study showed us that respiration, anthropometric measurements, musculoskeletal system and functionality levels are affected by CP in patients with CP. For this reason, we think that regular follow-up of the patients by anthropometric and respiratory measurements will help prevent problems that may occur and determine the treatment program. Keywords: Anthropometry, GMFCS, Cerebral Palsy, respiration, thorax deformity.