Epiphyseal separations in spastic cerebral palsy.

Abstract

Metaphyseal and diaphyseal fractures have been reported in children with severe spastic cerebral palsy, but there is no reference to epiphyseal separations in these patients. We report nine epiphyseal separations involving the distal femur and proximal humerus in four severely affected children with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. The clinico-radiological features confirmed the cause to be scurvy. These epiphyseal separations have a good prognosis unlike the physeal injuries reported in children with myelodysplasia. Treatment with vitamin C and splintage resulted in rapid healing with excellent remodeling. Scurvy should be considered a potential cause for an epiphyseal slip in a child with severe spastic cerebral palsy. Routine dietary supplementation of vitamin C is recommended for these malnourished and nonambulant children.