Highly Selective Partial Neurectomies for Spasticity: A Single-Center Experience.

Abstract

Sedating antispastic medications and focal therapies like botulinum toxin are the most common therapies for spasticity but are temporary and must be performed continuously for a principally static neurological insult. Alternatively, highly selective partial neurectomies (HSPNs) may reduce focal spasticity more permanently. To quantify the change in spasticity after HSPN and assess patient satisfaction. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with upper- and/or lower-extremity spasticity treated with HSPN from 2014 to 2018. Only cases with a modified Ashworth scale (MAS) score independently determined by a physical therapist were included. Pre- and postoperative MAS, complications, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. The 38 patients identified (24 male, 14 female; mean age 49 yr) underwent a total of 88 procedures for focal spasticity (73% upper extremity, 27% lower extremity). MAS scores were adjusted to a 6-point scale for evaluation. The mean preoperative and final postoperative follow-up adjusted MAS scores were 3.6 and 1.7, respectively (P<.001), which represents average MAS less than 1+. Positive, neutral, and worse results were described by 91%, 6%, and 3% of patients, respectively. Four patients requested revision surgery. No perioperative complications were encountered. This is the first North American series to analyze HSPN for spasticity and the only series based on independent evaluation results. HSPN surgery demonstrated objective short- and long-term reduction in spasticity with minimal morbidity and excellent patient satisfaction.