The Effect of Percutaneous Selective Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation in the Treatment of Spasticity with Cerebral Palsy

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effects between radiofrequency thermocoagulation and phenol motor branch block in treatment of spasticity of child with cerebral palsy. METHOD: Thirteen patients with spastic cerebral palsy were randomly divided into two groups. One group received percutaneous selective radiofrequency thermocoagulation on tibial nerve motor branch and the other group received phenol motor branch block to the gastrocnemius muscle. Therapeutic effects were assessed before and after treatment for 6 months in each group. The severity of ankle spasticity was assessed with the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), the modified Tardieu scale (MTS), and the passive range of motion (PROM) of ankle joint. RESULTS: In both groups, the MAS and MTS decreased, and radiofrequency thermocoagulation group showed more significant reduction of the spasticity (p<0.05). There was a significant increase in PROM on knee flexion and extension in a radiofrequency thermocoagulation group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous selective radiofrequency thermocoagulation could be a treatment option for relieving the localized spasticity of ankle in spastic cerebral palsy with little adverse effect.