The efficacy of selective peripheral neurotomy in treating cerebral spasticity in adults

Abstract

Objective To study the efficacy of selective peripheral neurotomy in treating cerebral spasticity in adults. Methods Sixty-one cerebral spasticity cases in adults treated by selective peripheral neurotomy at Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital from March 2015 to November 2017 were selected. They were analyzed retrospectively in spasticity, muscular tension, gait, quality of life and complication right after operation. Results With a period of follow up for 11-26 months (mean duration: 19.5±7.6 months), 5 upper limbs and 68 lower limbs of 73 limbs of 61 patients involved 94 peripheral nerves all experienced notable alleviation of spasticity right after operation, and the alleviation rate in follow-up duration was 91.8%(67/73). The rate of decrease in muscle tension was 100% and it in follow-up duration was 94.5%(69/73). The improvement rate of motor capacities 3 months after operation was 83.6%(51/61), and was 90.2%(55/61)half year after operation. The rate of improvement in upper limb function was 80.0%(4/5)in follow-up duration. A total of 91.8%(56/61)cases had better quality of life by follow-up studying. Postoperative complications like dysaesthesias of limbs were found in 6 cases (8.2%), muscle weakness in 3 cases (4.1%) and recurrence of spasticity in 2 cases (2.7%). Conclusion Selective peripheral neurotomy is a safe and effective surgical method in treating cerebral spasticity in adults. Key words: Muscle spasticity; Cerebral; Selective peripheral neurotomy; Adult