[Functional posterior radiculotomy, in the treatment of cerebral spasticity. peroperative electric stimulation of posterior roots and its use in the choice of the roots to be sectioned].

The authors present a modification of Foerster's Rhizotomy for the treatment of spasticity in cerebral palsy: functional posterior rhizotomy. The selection of the roots/rootlesses to be sectioned, is accomplished on functional data, based upon the analysis of the reflex responses to the intraoperative lumbar dorsal roots stimulation. With this method it is possible to selectively interfere with the pathological circuits responsible for hypertonia, saving proprioceptive afferences necessary for motor reeducation. The clinical results on hypertonia are the same as for total or partial rhizotomies, but sides effects (ataxia, hypotonia) are considerably reduced.