Prospective study evaluating selective percutaneous myofascial lengthening on gait of children with cerebral palsy

For individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) who experience spasticity, selective percutaneous myofascial lengthening (SPML) represents a minimally-invasive surgery targeting connective tissue surrounding muscle that may improve joint range-of-motion and walking ability. These techniques contrast with surgical approaches which alter bone or muscle geometry. However, SPML has not been comprehensively assessed in individuals with CP, nor has its efficacy been compared over short and long-term timescales. Three children underwent SPML. We compared clinical and biomechanical markers pre operation to 2 and 6 months post procedure.