Analysis on effect of selective posterior rhizotomy for spastic cerebral palsy

Object To explore the efficacy of selective posterior rhizotomy(SPR) for relief of spasticity in cerebral palsy patients.Methods The clinical data of 104 patients of cerebral palsy with spasticity of limbs treated by SPR were analyzed retrospectively.Before March 2006,83 patients with spastic cerebral palsy underwent SPR of lumbosacral region through a L 2-S 1 laminectomy.At the same time,3 patients were treated by cervical SPR.21 with spastic cerebral palsy received modified SPR of lumbosacral region after March 2006.Results At follow up evaluation(mean 31.2 months),the study showed that 95.2% experienced notable regression of spasticity in follow-up duration.The improved motor capacities were found in 81.7%.88.5% had better quality of life by follow-up studying.Postoperative complication included recurrence of spasticity 6.7%,transient dysaesthesias of limbs 4.8%,transient muscle weakness 3.8%,lumbar instability and lumbar lordosis 2.9%,transient uroschesis 2.9%.Conclusions SPR of lumbosacral region is a safe and effective microsurgical method for treatment of spasticity of lower limbs in cerebral palsy patients.Modified SPR of lumbosacral region can effectively prevent lumbar instability and lumbar lordosis.