Abstract
Background Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) guided by our modified protocol can decrease spasticity in certain muscles. This study aimed to investigate gait parameters changes in cerebral palsy (CP) with focal spasticity after SDR in short-term follow-up. Methods CP classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level Ⅰ and Ⅱ who underwent SDR were included. Changes of spasticity, gait parameters and gait deviation index (GDI) were retrospectively reviewed. Results This study contained 26 individuals with 44 affected and 8 intact lower limbs (4 monoplegia, 4 hemiplegia and 18 diplegia). Mean age was 5.7 ± 1.9 years-old and follow-up duration was 9.9 ± 6.6 months. After SDR, average spasticity of 108 target muscles decreased from 2.9 ± 0.8 to 1.8 ± 0.6 in Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Kinematic curves changed after the surgery in sagittal and transverse plane in affected sides, further investigation showed improvements in ankle and knee. No changes were found in temporal-spatial parameters except decrease in cadence in affected sides. GDI improved significantly in affected limbs. Conclusion In short-term follow up, the new-protocol-guiding SDR can lower focal spasticity, GA showed improvements in kinematic parameters and GDI. Longer follow-up duration is needed to clarify the long-term outcome.
Long‐term effects of selective dorsal rhizotomy in children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review
