DYNAMICS OF BIOMECHANICAL AND ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC CHANGES IN CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT OF CHILDREN WITH IDIOPATHIC LOW LIMB SHORTENING

Aim. To study the dynamics of biomechanical and electromyographic changes in conservative treatment of children with minor shortening of the low limbs. Materials and methods. Sixty five children aged 3-15 were examined. Computer optic topography (COT) and electromyography (EMG) were used for diagnosis. Results. Shortening of one of the low limbs caused side pelvic slope. Vertebral column formed a compensatory arc of curvature at the expense of changing statodynamic status of spinal-pelvic angle so as to preserve axis of vertical position. In 20% of cases adaptive responses of motor system were preserved in the form of pelvic defect and spinal deformations and conservative additional therapy was necessary after elimination of unevenness of legs by means of orthopedic shoes. Conservative complex treatment included ozocerite applications, massage, therapeutic physical training and electrostimulation of lumbar spine muscles, calcium ion-parametric magnetotherapy. Positive dynamics of basic COT and EMG indices was registered. Decrease in average limb shortened was 10%. Decline in pelvic defect angle in the frontal plane was 21% and total integral bearing defect index was 2,5-fold lower. Pathologic rotation index at the top of scoliotic arc decreased by 44% and asymmetry coefficient was two times less. Conclusion. Minor one-sided shortening of the low limbs’ length leads to secondary changes in spinal biomechanics. An adequate conservative treatment normalizes biomechanical and electromyographic indices preventing occurrence of scoliotic spinal deformations in children.

Limb shortening, electromyography, computer optic topography, conservative treatment