Integrated hip surveillance pathways for pain, function and quality of life in children with Cerebral Palsy: A systematic literature review

Aim

To determine the effectiveness of integrated hip surveillance pathways on pain, function and quality of life (QOL) in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP).

Method

A systematic literature review, designed, conducted and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Inclusion criteria: confirmed CP diagnosis, management under recognised international hip surveillance pathways, outcome measures of hip displacement plus at least one other relevant to pain, function or QOL.

Results

100 articles were identified. 12 full text articles were screened, and four were included. Reduced range of movement was associated with hip pain in children with CP. Increasing age, Gross Motor Function Classification Score (GMFCS) and migration percentage (MP) were associated with increased hip pain. General health declined with increased age. Increased MP and GMFCS level were associated with interruption to activities of daily living.

Interpretation

Outcomes relating to function and QOL are under-researched in the current integrated hip surveillance pathway evidence-base. Wider outcomes related to function and QOL need to be included to capture the wider impact on children who are at risk of hip dislocation.

What this paper adds

Increased pain was associated with reduced joint range and increased migration percentage. Pain also increased with greater age and Gross Motor Function Classification Score. Early orthopaedic intervention for hip displacement may not successfully mitigate pain. Effectiveness of integrated pathways on function and quality of life is under-evidenced. Studies investigating integrated pathways and holistic outcomes are needed to inform practice.