[Selective limited posterior rhizotomy at 3 dorsal levels. A variant for the neurosurgical treatment of spasticity].

INTRODUCTION

Selective posterior rhizotomy (SPR) is effective for reducing spasticity associated to infantile cerebral palsy (ICP). To avoid excessive muscular hypotone a different surgical technique is proposed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixteen children with spasticity secondary to ICP were evaluated before and after rhizotomy. The degree of spasticity was compared in the lower an in the upper limbs. Dorsal roots of levels L4, L5, and S1 were analyzed and sectioned according to the results yielded by intraoperative electrical stimulation.

RESULTS

Spasticity was reduced in all the muscular groups analyzed. One of the patients had bladder incontinence.

CONCLUSIONS

The limited surgical procedure is sufficient for reducing spasticity.