Evaluation of selective peripheral neurotomies in the treatment of refractory lower limb spasticity in adults

Abstract

Background: ‘‘Selective peripheral neurotomies” (SPNs) are indicated for the treatment of refractory focal and multifocal spasticity of lower limbs in adults.

Objective: To evaluate the surgical results of selective peripheral neurotomies in 20 adult patients who had refractory focal & multifocal spasticity of the lower limbs, follow up period of one year.

Patients and Methods: Prospective study included 20 adult patients who had refractory spasticity of the lower limbs. Preoperative evaluation for muscle tone using Modified Ashworth Score (MAS), muscle power using Medical Research Council Scale (MRCS), functional assessment using Oswestry Functional Scale (OFS) and Range Of Motion (ROM) using manual goniometry were done for all patients. All cases underwent surgery in the form of SPN of tibial, obturator, sciatic and/or femoral nerves. Follow up of the patients was done at 10th day, 3, 6 months and one year postoperatively.

Results: The mean age of patients was 31.35 ± 12.42 years. There were statistically significant improvement of muscle tone, muscle power, functional assessment and range of motion between preoperative and one year postoperative values. Improvement of the muscle tone was from a preoperative Mean ± SD of 3.60 ± 0.68 on MAS to a postoperative 2.30 ± 0.86 at one year, improvement of muscle power on MRCS was from preoperative Mean ± SD 3.75 ± 1.08 to postoperative 4.08 ± 0.69 at one year, There was a functional improvement from a preoperative Mean ± SD of 3.0 ± 0.73 on OFS to 3.60 ± 0.60 at one year postoperatively. Also, there was a significant improvement between preoperative ROM Mean ± SD 61.25 ± 15.29 and one year postoperatively 72.25 ± 12.19.

Conclusions: Selective peripheral neurotomies could effectively improve muscle tone, muscle power, functional performance & range of motion in patients with refractory focal and multifocal spasticity in the lower limbs.

Keywords: Selective peripheral neurotomies, Spasticity, Neuroablative surgeries, Functional neurosurgery