A Comparison of the General Approach of Surgeons toward Cerebral Palsy Patients and the Current Literature

OpenAlex English

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to conduct a survey concerning the attitudes toward patients with CP among physicians in the fields of orthopedics and traumatology in Turkey. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire containing 20 items was produced to determine the attitudes toward patients with CP of specialist physicians in these fields. Results: One hundred fifteen such physicians performing clinical procedures on CP patients participated in the study - 47 (40.9%) assistant doctors, 43 (37.4%) specialist physicians, 11 (9.6%) assistant professor doctors, 11 (9.6%) associate professor doctors, and three (2.6%) professor doctors. The participants in the study most frequently reported identifying CP in the 1-2 age group (n=47, 40.9%). The CP cases identified in the 1-2 age group were most frequently referred to the physical therapy and rehabilitation department, and those in the 3-12 age group to the pediatric neurology department. The most frequently encountered subtype was spastic CP (n=108, 93.9%). Conclusions: The purpose of this study investigating the clinical knowledge, skills and attitudes concerning CP among orthopedic physicians under clinical conditions was to contribute to the development of a specific treat-ment plan.