Cerebral Palsy & Orthopedic Care – What Parents Need to Know

Raising a child with Cerebral Palsy (CP) comes with challenges — and a lot of strength. CP is one of the most common childhood motor disabilities, affecting movement, posture, and muscle coordination. But with the right orthopedic care, children with CP can live more mobile, independent, and fulfilling lives.

In this blog, we’ll break down what CP is, how it affects the musculoskeletal system, and how Dr. Vishal Chandak, a renowned Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon in Aurangabad, helps improve mobility and quality of life through evidence-based orthopedic treatments.

Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder caused by damage to the developing brain, either during pregnancy, childbirth, or early infancy. It leads to:

• Muscle stiffness (spasticity)
• Poor balance and posture
• Delayed motor milestones
• Walking difficulties
• Deformities in bones and joints

It is not progressive, meaning the brain damage doesn’t worsen — but the muscle and bone problems may increase with age if not treated appropriately

Children with CP commonly experience:

1. Muscle Contractures – Tight, shortened muscles causing joint stiffness
2. Hip Dislocation – Due to muscle imbalance and weak bone development
3. Foot Deformities – Like equinus foot, flat feet, or clubfoot
4. Scoliosis or Spine Curvature – Often worsens with age
5. Gait Abnormalities – Walking on toes, crouch gait, scissoring of legs

These complications can limit the child’s independence and may cause pain or discomfort if left untreated.

1. Physiotherapy & Stretching Regimens
   Early intervention through regular physiotherapy helps prevent stiffness and improves joint mobility.

2. Orthotic Devices & Braces
   Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), splints, and custom-made braces help correct gait and improve stability.

3. Botox Injections
   Used to temporarily reduce muscle spasticity in specific muscle groups.

• Surgical Interventions
  Depending on the severity, surgery might be advised for:
• Tendon lengthening (e.g., hamstring, Achilles tendon)
• Hip reconstruction or derotation osteotomies
• Spinal surgeries in cases of scoliosis
• Foot corrections for mobility improvement
• All surgical decisions are made after multidisciplinary evaluation and counseling with the family

With 14+ years of experience and a compassionate approach, Dr. Chandak is trusted by hundreds of families for his expertise in:

• Pediatric deformity corrections
• Muscle contracture release
• CP-related gait correction surgeries
• Clubfoot & spine deformity care
• Long-term rehabilitation planning with physiotherapists and caregivers

Based at K Pond Superspeciality Hospital, Aurangabad, Dr. Chandak offers holistic care — from diagnosis to recovery.

The first 5 years of a child’s life are critical for brain and muscle development. Orthopedic care during this time can help:

• Prevent long-term deformities
• Support independent walking
• Minimize pain and muscle spasm
• Improve school readiness and social development

Delaying orthopedic care can lead to irreversible joint deformities and permanent disability.

• Consult early – as soon as you see developmental delays
• Maintain a therapy routine at home under physiotherapy guidance
• Use assistive devices consistently
• Attend follow-ups with your orthopedic specialist regularly
• Create an emotionally encouraging environment at home

• Dr. Chandak’s team has helped numerous CP children walk independently or with minimal support after corrective surgery and therapy. Many are now attending school, participating in daily life confidently, and achieving personal milestones.

Cerebral Palsy may be a lifelong condition, but its limitations don’t have to define your child’s life. With timely and expert orthopedic care, the journey becomes smoother, and the child gains more control over their movement and future.

If your child has CP or shows signs of muscle stiffness, imbalance, or delayed walking, schedule a consultation with Dr. Vishal Chandak — a trusted pediatric orthopedic surgeon in Aurangabad.