Summary  

Magnetic resonance imaging was used to show that children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and unable to ambulate independently compared to typically developing children have a remarkably underdeveloped femoral midshaft as indicated by a very thin diameter, a very thin cortical wall, and very low strength estimates.

Introduction  

The femoral shaft is very susceptible to fracture in children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy (QCP); however, its structure and strength have not been evaluated.

Methods  

The volume and width of the middle third of the femur (midfemur) and its cortical wall and medullary cavity were assessed in children with QCP and unable to ambulate independently and typically developing children (n = 10/group) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Estimates of cross-sectional moment of inertia (CSMI), section modulus (Z), and polar moment of inertia (J) were also determined.

Results  

Total volume of the midfemur and volume of its cortical wall and medullary cavity were substantially lower in children with QCP than controls (51–55%; p < 0.001). In addition, the total midfemur, its medullary cavity and the anterior, posterior, and lateral sections of its cortical wall were thinner (27–43%) in children with QCP (p < 0.001). The midfemur in children with QCP also had remarkably lower CSMI, Z, and J (60–71%; p < 0.001).

Conclusions  

Children with QCP who lack the ability to ambulate independently have midfemurs that are very thin with very thin cortical walls and very low estimated strength. The disparity can be detected using MRI.