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Biomedical subjects

C Bérard

Publications and source records attributed to C Bérard.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

[First consultation with specialists for a child presenting with forelimb unilateral agenesis. Group for the Study and Research of Limb Agenesis (GERAM)].

After the birth of a child with a forelimb unilateral agenesis, the first consultation is of cardinal importance for the family. It should take place as soon as possible. The major point to be emphasized is that the child, although different, must not be considered as handicapped. If the aesthetic prejudice is evident, the functional incapacity is limited to some specific situations. In practice, the child with or without a prosthesis will have the same autonomy as children of the same age. A first prosthesis is usually proposed at 6 or 7 months of age. The child will wear the prosthesis more or less easily depending mainly upon the family attitude. It is recommended that the family have access to a medical team including a psychologist and an occupational therapist.

Arm↗
PubMed1997

Selective dorsal rhizotomy in children with cerebral palsy. Results in 18 cases at one year postoperatively.

OBJECTIVE: Effects of selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) were studied in children with spastic cerebral palsy in orthopaedic and functional fields. METHODS: In a prospective study, we compared the same population before SDR and 1 year after SDR. This population included children with spastic cerebral palsy, when spasticity was responsible for a halt in the motor skill acquisitions or for orthopaedic complications. All the children had intensive physiotherapy for 6 months postoperatively. We observed spasticity by a 4-point scale, isolation of movement by a 3-point scale, and orthopaedic status by the measure of range of motion, hip migration on the radiography, and function by Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and Abbott scale. All the assessments were done by the same physiotherapist. We compared the results with a Wilcoxon statistic test. RESULTS: 18 quadriplegic children had spastic cerebral palsy; their mean age was 9 years (5.5-16.5 years). We observed a decrease in spasticity in all the muscular groups; increase in range of motion only on abduction and extension of the hips; no evolution of hip migration; an increase of 3.2% in the total GMFM score; 1 child was classified IV before SDR and V after SDR on the Abbott scale; 3 children had planned orthopaedic surgery in the year after SDR; 16 children and their families were highly satisfied with the result of the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in spasticity does not entail prevention of orthopaedic problems in children with quadriplegic spastic cerebral palsy. However, we observed an improvement in qualitative function that is outside the scope of current assessment scales.

Cerebral Palsy↗
PubMed1990

[Anti-calcaneus carbon fiber orthosis in children with myelomeningocele].

An anti-calcaneus carbon fibre orthosis (ACCFO) is an appliance combining a plantar orthosis with an anterior counter-support at the tibia and two side supports, medial and lateral, leaving the posterior aspect of the leg and heel free. It is made of polyethylene and polycarbolactone resin reinforced by a covering of tubular carbon fibres and polymerized epoxy-resin. Fifty-five pairs have been used in 18 children aged from one years and five months to 12 years suffering from a paraplegia at L4-L5 or S1 level due to myelomeningocele. Two children were unable to walk before the use of the ACCFO and 16 walked with various aids. All the children were followed-up with regular muscle and joint assessments and video recordings at their respective day-care hospitals. The orthoses were made by the same supplier. Correction of the calcaneo-valgus was improved in all the cases. Balance in standing was improved in 15 cases, including three children who became able to stand without other aids. This orthosis is well adapted to children suffering from spina bifida. It is well accepted because of its lightness and good skin tolerance and was preferred to earlier appliances in all cases.

Calcaneus↗
PubMed1990

[Global management of infantile spinal muscular atrophy. Practical guide for medical staff].

After a brief recall of clinical features, an outline of care for children with spinal muscular atrophy or severe neuromyopathies is proposed. With regard to respiration, the aim is to allow pulmonary growth, mainly through preventive ventilation. From the orthopaedic point of view, the main goal is to prevent contractures and kyphoscoliosis. Moreover, several methods of technical assistance can be proposed in order to make everyday life easier and allow familial and social insertion.

Child↗