What are the Scissor Legs Position in a Baby?

Having a child that suffers from a birth injury like cerebral palsy is a fear that every parent has, and if your baby shows unusual behavior or traits that are outside of the norm, that fear may escalate.

This is particularly true if there were other complications around labor and delivery or the child’s birth. 

Scissor legs or scissor gait is a particular walking pattern or position where a child’s legs involuntarily cross over each other.

Because cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects one’s muscle control and coordination, spasticity or muscle weakness and contractures in the legs can be a warning sign. 

A “scissor legs baby” refers to a physical condition often observed in infants where their legs appear to cross in a scissor-like position when lifted or while at rest.

This posture may indicate tightness or stiffness in the muscles of the legs and hips, and it is commonly associated with spasticity or increased muscle tone, often seen in symptoms like cerebral palsy.

What are the Key Signs of a Scissor Legs Baby?

The primary sign of scissor legs is that the infant’s legs cross over each other like scissors while being carried or lifted, or while at rest (or both).

This postere can occur when the baby is held upright, with their feet dangling or while they are at rest.

It may also be accompanied by other signs like stiffness, exaggerated reflexes, or difficulty with normal leg movements.

What are the Possible Causes of Scissor Legs in a Baby?

Scissoring or scissor legs is a common early sign of cerebral palsy, particularly in spastic diplegia, a form of the neurological condition that primarily affects the legs.

Babies with cerebral palsy may exhibit scissoring due to hypertonia (excessive muscle tightness), which causes the legs to cross over each other.

Disorders like spastic paraplegia, mixed cerebral palsy, or other rare genetic syndromes affecting motor control may cause similar symptoms.

Congenital malformations of the developing brain or spinal cord may also lead to scissoring.

Premature infants and infants who experience birth trauma, birth asphyxia, or related birth injuries may also exhibit scissor legs. 

Some infants exhibit temporary muscle tone imbalances as part of normal neurological development, which usually resolve as they grow.

What Should I Do If My Child Has Scissor Legs or a Scissor Gait?

If you notice this posture consistently or along with other developmental concerns like delayed developmental milestones, excessive stiffness, or floppiness, consult your child’s pediatrician or child neurologist for assessment.

Early cerebral palsy diagnosed with intervention (such as physical therapy) can significantly improve outcomes.

Other Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

The symptoms of cerebral palsy vary depending on the type, severity, and areas of the baby’s brain affected.

However, some common symptoms across all forms include a scissor gait, problems with motor control, decreased muscle tone, muscle stiffness, coordination, and posture.

These signs are usually noticeable during infancy or early childhood.

Some cerebral palsy symptoms include: 

• Muscle Tone Issues.Both hypertonia, which is increased muscle tone that causes rigid movements, and hypotonia, which is decreased abnormal muscle tone resulting in floppy limbs, can be signs of cerebral pasy. 
• Delayed Milestones. Delays in rolling over, sitting, crawling, or walking, or difficulty with motor skills like grasping or reaching.
• Abnormal Movements. Jerky or clumsy movements, involuntary movements (dyskinesia or dystonia), or tremors or uncontrollable shaking may indicate cerebral palsy.
• Postural Abnormalities, Difficulty maintaining balance, unusual sitting or lying postures like scissor legs or curved spine are signs of cerebral palsy. 
• Coordination and Balance Problems. Difficulty with walking, often with an unusual gait (e.g., toe-walking or dragging one leg) or trouble with tasks requiring fine motor skills are common in individuals with cerebral palsy.
• Speech and Swallowing Issues. Difficulty speaking (dysarthria) and problems chewing or swallowing (dysphagia) are cause for concern. 
• Cognitive Disabilities and Developmental Delays. Intellectual disability and learning difficulties may become apparent as individuals affected by cerebral palsy get older. 
• Seizures. Epilepsy is common in children with cerebral palsy.
• Vision and Hearing Impairments. Strabismus (crossed eyes) or poor depth perception and hearing loss are more common in cerebral palsy patients. 
• Pain and Fatigue. Muscle or joint pain due to abnormal movements and postures and difficulty sleeping may be signs of cerebral palsy.

Our Law Firm’s Experience with Different Types of Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit Settlements

We’re a Chicago-based cerebral palsy law firm specializing in medical malpractice with extensive experience representing clients in all types of cerebral palsy cases. 

We have successfully litigated numerous cases where patients suffered harm due to cerebral palsy caused by birth injuries, successfully securing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

Our expertise in this area often involves collaborating with medical experts to uncover negligence and advocate for their clients’ rights. 

We focus on clients in Chicago, Illinois, and the surrounding areas. 

Cerebral Palsy and Scissor Legs FAQs

1. What is cerebral palsy? 

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle coordination, and posture, often caused by brain damage occurring before, during, or shortly after birth.

2. What are the risk factors for cerebral palsy?

Risk factors for any type of cerebral palsy include premature birth, low birth weight, high risk premature infants, multiple pregnancies (such as twins or triplets), maternal infections during pregnancy, birth complications, and certain genetic factors.

3. What are scissor legs in a baby?

Scissor legs in a baby refer to a condition where the infant’s legs cross over each other like scissors, often due to increased muscle tone, stiff or tight muscles commonly associated with neurological conditions like cerebral palsy.

4. Is cerebral palsy caused by medical malpractice?

Any type of cerebral palsy can be caused by medical malpractice, defined as negligence or errors during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or neonatal care that result in brain injury. 

Examples include failure to monitor or address fetal distress, delayed cesarean section, or mishandling delivery tools. 

However, not all cases of cerebral palsy are due to medical negligence, as the condition can also result from unavoidable factors like genetic abnormalities or infections.

5. Can scissor legs be caused by doctors?

Yes, scissor legs as a symptom of cerebral palsy can be caused by doctors if medical negligence occurs during pregnancy, delivery, or newborn care. For example, failing to address fetal distress, delaying a necessary cesarean section, or improperly using delivery tools can result in brain infections or the brain’s tissue injuries that lead to cerebral palsy.

That said, not all cases of scissor legs or types of cerebral palsy are due to medical error or negligence. Some arise from natural complications or factors beyond a doctor’s control.

6. Can you sue if your child has any type of cerebral palsy?

Yes, you can sue if your child’s cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence during pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum care. 

To start, you must prove that a healthcare provider’s actions or inaction breached the standard of care and directly caused the condition. A successful lawsuit can provide compensation for medical expenses, therapy, and other long-term needs.

7. Will a confirmation of scissor legs indicating cerebral palsy automatically lead to a valid legal claim against the health care provider?

Scissor legs leading to a diagnosis of any type of cerebral palsy alone may not automatically lead to a valid legal claim against the healthcare provider, as it requires demonstrating that the condition resulted from the healthcare provider’s negligence or improper medical care during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. 

However, a confirmed diagnosis of any type of cerebral palsy can be a critical piece of evidence in building a cerebral palsy malpractice case if there is evidence of negligence contributing to the child’s condition.

8. What are the long term impacts of scissor legs and therefore cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy’s impact can vary widely depending on the severity and type of the condition a given individual is diagnosed with, but they often include lifelong challenges with mobility, entire body muscle coordination, and daily activities.

Individuals with cerebral palsy may require ongoing medical care, therapies, assistive devices, and accommodations to manage their condition and maximize their quality of life. 

Cerebral palsy can also affect social interactions, educational opportunities, and employment prospects, leading to significant emotional and socioeconomic impacts throughout the individual’s life.

9. Does the state of Illinois apply any limits on damages in a cerebral palsy claim?

Illinois does not have statutory limits or caps on cerebral palsy-related damages, meaning there is no cap on the amount of compensation that can be awarded for economic or non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. 

However, it’s essential to consult with a legal professional or check for any updates in the law prior to making a claim, as regulations can change over time.

10. How much compensation can I receive if my child has cerebral palsy?

The amount of compensation you can receive for a cerebral palsy claim in Illinois and elsewhere varies widely depending on factors such as the severity of the injury, the long-term impact on the child and family, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. 

Settlements or jury awards can range from thousands to millions of dollars. Consulting with a qualified attorney who specializes in birth injury claims in your area can give you a better estimate based on the unique circumstances of your case, like the type(s) of cerebral palsy involved.

11. What should you do if you think your child has scissor legs or is showing other signs of cerebral palsy?

If you suspect your child has scissor legs or other signs of cerebral palsy, consult a pediatrician promptly for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. This is essential because early intervention, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medical treatment, can significantly improve your child’s mobility and overall development.

If you suspect a healthcare provider’s negligence caused the condition, consider consulting a birth injury attorney to explore your legal options.

Find Out If You Have A Cerebral Palsy Claim In Chicago, Illinois

Do you think you have a medical malpractice case due to a cerebral palsy diagnosis that occurred in Illinois?

If you are located in Chicago or the surrounding areas, contact the experienced Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyers today for a free case evaluation.