Congenital- CP

Question 1

Def.

Answer 1

• caused by brain injury or brain malformation that occurs before / during (i.e congenital) , or immediately after (i.e. acquired)
  birth while the infant’s brain is under development.

Question 2

Timeframes

Answer 2

• 70% brain damage occurs prior to birth (mostly in the second and third trimester).
• 20% occurs during the birthing period
• 10% occurs during the first two years of life while the brain is still forming (acquired CP).

Question 3

Radiol Fx.

Answer 3

• normal skeleton remodels in response to abnormal stress -> dysplastic changes in the bones and joints may result.
• Long bones often appear overtubulated (narrow shaft, broad epiphysis).
• Hip dysplasia secondary to chronic, spastic dislocation is common.
• Scoliosis, soft tissue atrophy and flexion/extension contracture may be found.