Case Study - Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy

Name: E.H. Age: 11years Occupation: School Student, Queensland

Symptoms

Spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy.

E.H.'s condition is moderate to severe. He has some spasticity with increased extensor tone. There is a tendency for his pelvis and trunk to rotate obliquely with a drop to the left side, which tends to make him slide off a conventional seat. E.H. experiences some restriction in the activities he would like to undertake but determinedly states that he is normal and that his biggest problem is 'other people's attitudes'.

Introduction to the Saddle Seat

E.H. was told about the Bambach Saddle Seat by the occupational therapist who treats him. When his mother saw how E.H.'s posture improved when sitting on the Bambach Saddle Seat, she encouraged him to use it. Mrs H. had some reservations about backup service and the ability of the seat to be modified to fit the special physical environmental needs of each child. Reassured that the seat is fully supported, with readily available service and parts, she purchased a seat for E.H. the occupational therapist used her knowledge of the seat and the video provided by the manufacturer to educate E.H. about its use and adjustment. E.H. uses a reduced abduction seat with a sheepskin cover, 3 locking and 2 standard castors, and an 80mm drop through stem.

Result

The Bambach Saddle Seat anchors E.H.'s pelvis, allowing him to assume and hold a correct, upright posture. It prevents him from sliding forward and twisting obliquely, so he no longer slumps forward and to the left. The Bambach Saddle Seat offers a firm symmetrical posture with a clear and easily maintained midline. The position of abduction and extension of the hips helps to break down abductor spasm. This posture allows E.H. to sit for functional tasks with better performance of such skills as writing and computer use.

E.H.'s head and neck are in a more normal position in the Bambach Saddle Seat.

Apart from the dramatic improvement in posture and resulting functional improvements, E.H. likes the seat because it allows him to look more 'normal'.

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