Non-Surgical Preventative Hip Care for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Overview

Hip displacement is a common and potentially debilitating complication for children with cerebral palsy (CP), affecting approximately 35% of this population. In this course, pediatric physical therapist Joanne Weltman provides a comprehensive overview of non-surgical, preventative hip care strategies designed to support early detection, clinical decision-making, and improved long-term outcomes.

The course explores the underlying causes of hip dysplasia and displacement in children with CP, emphasizing how abnormal muscle tone, spasticity, and musculoskeletal changes contribute to progressive hip instability. Participants will gain insight into key diagnostic tools such as Reimer’s migration percentage, as well as the role of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) in predicting risk and guiding surveillance protocols.

Joanne also reviews global hip surveillance guidelines, highlights limitations within current screening timelines, and discusses evidence-based, non-invasive strategies that may help reduce the need for invasive surgical interventions. By integrating research evidence with clinical experience, this course equips healthcare professionals with practical knowledge to support early, proactive care for children with CP.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Develop an understanding of the causes, risk factors, and incidence of hip dysplasia and displacement in children with cerebral palsy.
   
   
2. Review current international hip surveillance guidelines and their clinical application.
   
   
3. Understand the current available evidence on non-invasive preventative measures.
   
   
4. Learn new and unique non-invasive preventative options.
   
   
5. Expand knowledge of the scientific theory behind treatment choices based on clinical experience.
   
   
6. Expand your resource and reference list on hip dysplasia and cerebral palsy

Audience

This course is designed for healthcare professionals involved in pediatric and neurological rehabilitation, including:

• Physiotherapists and physical therapists

• Occupational therapists

• Pediatric rehabilitation specialists

• Orthopedic and rehabilitation clinicians

• Healthcare professionals working with children with cerebral palsy

Why This Course Matters

Hip displacement can significantly impact mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life for children with CP. Without early detection and appropriate management, progressive displacement may result in pain, loss of function, and the need for complex surgical intervention.

This course highlights the importance of early surveillance and preventative care, demonstrating how targeted screening and evidence-based clinical decision-making can improve outcomes. By understanding risk stratification through GMFCS classification and utilizing standardized diagnostic measures such as Reimer’s migration percentage, clinicians can better identify children at highest risk and implement timely interventions.

Additionally, the course addresses gaps in current surveillance recommendations, encouraging clinicians to critically evaluate screening timelines and advocate for earlier monitoring when appropriate. The multidisciplinary approach presented reinforces the role of collaborative care in optimizing long-term musculoskeletal health for children with CP.

What’s Included

• 45 minutes of video lessons featuring expert instruction and clinical insights

• Lesson summaries and key insights provided after each video to reinforce learning and support knowledge retention

• Comprehensive reference list to support evidence-based practice and further study

• Downloadable PDF: Hip Care Guide to support clinical application and patient management

• Certificate of completion to document your continuing education

Please note: Presentation slides are not included with this course.