Assessment of Malalignment of Trunk and Pelvis in Stroke Patients

Background: The appearance of scoliosis is one of the largest problems among stroke patients. Trunk and pelvis abnormalities begin as a result of unequal weight distribution and muscle tightness. Presence of scoliosis usually affect the position of scapula and pelvis which in turn causes impairments of motor, sensory and perceptual functions of the upper and lower extremities. Objective: To assess trunk and pelvis malalignment in stroke patients in relation to the duration of illness and degrees of spasticity. Methods: This study included sixty stroke patients, their age ranged from 45 to 65 years. They were divided into equal groups according to the duration of illness. Each group was subdivided into two subgroups according to the degree of spasticity. Clinical and neurological examination, brain CT and MR imaging, assessment of muscle tone, trunk control and trunk range of motion were performed to each patient. Results: There was no statistically significant difference concerning trunk flexion and extension among patients in all groups. There was a statistical significant difference for trunk side bending among all patients. There was a significant correlation between the degree of spasticity and both lateral trunk deviation and lateral pelvis tilting as well as between duration of illness and abnormal trunk movements in all groups. Conclusion: Stroke patients suffer usually from back and pelvis malalignment which are more manifested in long-standing patients with high degrees of spasticity. [Egypt J Neurol Psychiat Neurosurg. 2010; 47(4): 599-604]