Advancing Cerebral Palsy Care with Dr. Donald Kephart, UCSF

Indus Hospital & Health Network is committed to continually improving care for cerebral palsy (CP) patients. Beyond providing essential services, the hospital prioritizes ongoing training and collaboration with external experts to enhance its expertise. Recently, the hospital welcomed Dr. Donald Kephart, a distinguished pediatric orthopedic surgeon from UCSF, for a visit. Dr. Kephart’s presence underscored the hospital’s dedication to excellence in CP management and its ongoing efforts to elevate standards of care.

About Cerebral Palsy

CP is a physical disability that affects movement, posture and balance caused by brain injury or atypical brain development. While it affects millions worldwide, exact incidence remains unknown in Pakistan due to a lack of national registry. Antenatal and perinatal risk factors, such as birth trauma and low birth weight, contribute to CP prevalence, particularly in communities with limited access to comprehensive care.

Cerebral Palsy Management at Indus Hospital

Our multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care for CP patients. From addressing medical issues to managing deformities, we provide holistic support, including neuroimaging, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, orthotics, and psychosocial services—all free of charge. With the upcoming addition of Pediatric Neurology in the expansion project of Indus Hospital’s New Hospital Building in Korangi, we’re poised to further improve outcomes for CP patients.

The fact that expensive orthopedic surgeries, physiotherapy and orthotic devices are given free of cost makes Indus Hospital Karachi a unique place for these neglected children. Very few hospitals in the country have the capacity to offer advanced care in Cerebral Palsy at this level.

Dr. Donald Kephart’s Visit at Indus:

Dr. Donald Kephart, is a distinguished pediatric orthopedic surgeon from UCSF, with his practice focusing mostly on Cerebral Palsy Children especially researching on their gait patterns. During his visit to Indus Hospital Korangi Campus, he brought valuable insights into Gait Analysis in improving our expertise in managing multilevel surgical care.

He also helped improve our residents, physiotherapists and Pediatricians to examine and evaluate a child with Cerebral Palsy. It was also an opportunity for him to understand how we have been dealing with these children in a resource challenging environment.

The session on ‘Cerebral Palsy – Orthopedic Management’ also attracted participants from across Karachi, with eminent national Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon giving talks to educate the audience.

Looking Ahead: Collaborations and Innovations

With the upcoming addition of Pediatric Neurology in the expansion project of Indus Hospital’s New Hospital Building in Korangi, we’re poised to further improve outcomes for CP patients.

As we look to the future, collaborations with experts like Dr. Kephart and investments in research and education will further enhance CP care outcomes, both locally and globally.

Join us in our mission to make a difference in CP care.