Heterogeneity of muscle sizes in the lower limbs of children with cerebral palsy. Issue 6 (26th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Handsfield, Geoffrey G.; Meyer, Craig H.; Abel, Mark F.; Blemker, Silvia S.
• Is Part Of: Muscle & nerve. Volume 53:Issue 6(2016)
• Page Start: 933
• Page End: 945
• Publication Date: 2016-02-26
• Subjects: cerebral palsy -- heterogeneity -- lower limb -- MRI -- muscle; Neuromuscular diseases -- Periodicals; Muscles -- Periodicals; Nerves -- Periodicals; 616.74
• DOI: 10.1002/mus.24972
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-639X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) is associated with reduced muscle volumes, but previous studies have reported deficits in only a small number of muscles. The extent of volume deficits across lower limb muscles is not known. This study presents an imaging‐based assessment of muscle volume and length deficits in 35 lower limb muscles. Methods: We imaged and segmented 35 muscles in 10 subjects with CP and 8 typically developing (TD) controls using MRI. Muscle volumes were normalized, and Z ‐scores were computed using TD data. Volume Z ‐scores and percent deficits in volume, length, and cross‐sectional area are reported. Results: Muscle volumes are 20% lower, on average, for subjects with CP. Volume deficits differ significantly between muscles (12% – 43%) and display significant heterogeneity across subjects. Distal muscles, especially the soleus, are commonly and severely small. Conclusions: Heterogeneity across muscles and across subjects reinforces the subject specificity of CP and the need for individualized treatment planning. Muscle Nerve 53 : 933–945, 2016