Effect of Asymmetrical Paraspinal Pattern on Muscle Architecture in Children with Spastic Diplegia

Background: In order to understand the architecture of the muscle, which is the perpendicular distance between the deep and superficial aponeurosis, muscle thickness is crucial. While, MRI and computed tomography are more expensive and time-consuming, 2D B-mode ultrasound makes it simple and reasonably rapid to quantify muscle thickness. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of asymmetry in paraspinal pattern on muscle thickness in children with spastic diplegia. Patients and methods: A total of 16 children with spastic diplegia with mild neuromuscular scoliosis, from both gender and with a mean age of 5.63 ± 0.33 years, were recruited from Pediatrics Outpatient clinic, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University. Children were assessed using X-ray to detect the scoliosis and assess the asymmetry and ultrasonography was used to assess the muscle thickness which was conducted from two positions prone and standing at T8 level thoracic spine. Results: The statistical analysis revealed that there was significant difference in muscle thickness between both sides with greater muscle thickness at concave side compared to convex at level of T8 from prone position (P=0.014). No statistically significant difference was found in muscle thickness between convex and concave sides at level of T8 from standing position (P=0.327). Conclusion: The asymmetrical paraspinal pattern can affect the muscle architecture with greater muscle thickness in the concave side than in the convex side in children with diplegia who have mild scoliosis.