Article Index


Intrathecal Baclofen Pump

ITB Pump: This section contains two case studies. The first is a child with diplegic cerebral palsy and is self-explanatory.

The second case is that of a seven-year-old boy with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy secondary to prematurity. He had received multiple botulinum toxin injections and had undergone a trial of oral baclofen. The patient experienced improvement with these treatments but continued to have significant spasticity. Over time, he became unresponsive to botulinum toxin injections. He subsequently had implantation of an ITB pump. Although the changes in his gait were modest, the family and the patient were pleased with the results because he could move much more efficiently and his gait speed was improved. This patient may also benefit from orthopedic procedures to correct torsional deformities and to improve contractures.