Limited selective posterior rhizotomy combined with adductor tenotomy for the improvement of motor ability of children with spastic lower limbs in cerebral palsy

Bo WANG; Xin ZHANG; Xiutong FANG

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Selective posterior rhizotomy has been extensively acknowledged as an effective method of relieving lower limb spasticity in cerebral palsy. However, the postoperative complications such as reduced muscle strength and imbalance of the spine are of concern among surgeons and therapists. The combination of limited selective posterior rhizotomy (LSPR) with adductor tenotomy can decrease these complications without compromising the treatment effects.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the effects of combination therapy of LSPR with adductor tenotomy on lower limb spasticity, gait and movement of the patients.

DESIGN:

A self-controlled trial and observational follow-up taking children with cerebral palsy as the subjects.

SETTING:

Orthopedic Department of First Hospital Affiliated to Dalian Medical University.

PARTICIPANTS:

Thirty children patients with cerebral palsy treated in the Orthopedics Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University from January 2001 to December 2002 were recruited in this trial. They presented scissors gait, flexed knee and tiptoeing of different degree. There were 18 cases of brisk tendon reflex and ankle clonus, and 15 cases of positive Babinski' s sign. All the patients had no immobile soft tissue contracture and could either accomplish walking and crouching independently or walk with arms on assistant devices.

INTERVENTIONS:

The patients received LSPR of L5 and S1 dorsal roots together with bilateral adductor tenotomy. Muscle tone and strength, knee and Achilles tendon reflexes, ankle clonus and pathologic signs were recorded before and after operation. X-ray examination on lumbar spine and pelvic was also taken for detection of deformity. The patients' movements were assessed according to their standing and walking postures, standing and crouching movements before operation and on follow-up. During follow-up all the mentioned indices were recorded by reference to the original case history, hospital reexamination and correspondence with the patients.MAIN OUTCOME

MEASURES:

The amelioration in lower limb spasticity and grading of lower limb()movements.

RESULTS:

During the follow-up for six months to three years(the mean of 11 months), the patients' lower limb spasticity was decreased by 2. 5 grades. The gait was also improved with disappeared scissors gait and tiptoeing, knee flexion was improved and the patients could walk with heels on the ground. All ankle clonus and pathologic reflexes disappeared. The brisk knee reflex in 12 patients became sluggish after operation. There was no decrease in lower limb strength or permanent hypesthesia. X-ray examination of lumbar spine and pelvic showed no deformity in 9 patients after over 2-year follow-up. The upper limb spasticity, salivation and aphasia in 8 patients were also ameliorated. The grading for postoperative standing, walking and crouching-standing alternation[(4.25±0.91), (3.92±0.65) and(4.02±0.74)] wasimproved(t=2.04-2.98, P ＜0.05-0.01).

CONCLUSION:

The combination of LSPR with adductor tenotomy can effectively ameliorate lower limb spasticity and movement with decreased operative damage.