Dorsal myelotomy for relief of spasticity in spinal injury patients.

Seven male patients, five complete quadriplegic and two complete high thoracic paraplegic, were treated by dorsal longitudinal myelotomy to relieve intractable spasticity of the lower extremities. All had intact neurogenic bladders before surgery. All patients had initial relief of spasticity but had recurrence of spasticity in varying degrees at two to three months postoperation. One patient had repeat myelotomy with similar results. One patient had successful relief of spasticity but lost neurogenic bladder function. Three patients required surgical releases of spastic contractures after surgery. Only one patient was satisfied with the procedure but required additional procedures for relief of spasticity. None of the procedures was considered successful. Dorsal longitudinal myelotomy is not successful in the treatment of spasticity in the spinal-injured patient.