Clinical study of modified patellar tendon shortening for the treatment of knee deformity in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Objective: This study aims to explore the effect of modified patellar tendon shortening in treating knee deformity among children diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy.Methods: A total of 39 children (51 knees) with cerebral palsy received modified patellar tendon shortening between June 2021 and June 2023.Knee HSS score, Lysholm score, passive knee extension angle, quadriceps muscle strength, patellar height, Q-angle passive knee range of motion, and knee motor function were compared before and after the operation.Results: The average follow-up period for all 39 children (51 knees) with cerebral palsy was 17.364.43months.One child suffered internal fixation loosening and another developed a superficial skin infection.There were no notable complications in the remaining patients at the end of follow-up.The mean HSS score after operation was 90.532.64.The average Lysholm score was 89.652.92.The patella returned to its normal anatomical position.Postoperative knee movement significantly improved.The difference before and after the operation was statistically significant (P<0.05).Conclusion: In summary, modified patellar tendon shortening can effectively correct high patellar and flexion malformation among children with cerebral palsy.This significantly improves knee joint motor function, with few operation-related complications.Moreover, it has little effect on the growth and development of children.This operation is simple and can be popularized in hospitals at all levels.