Role of dorsal rhizotomy in spinal cord injury-induced spasticity: Report of 3 cases

Renee M. Reynolds, Ryan P. Morton, Marion L. Walker, Teresa L. Massagli, Samuel R. Browd

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Selective dorsal rhizotomy may have a role in the management of spinal cord injury (SCI)-induced spasticity. Spasticity and spasms are common sequelae of SCI in children. Depending on the clinical scenario, treatments may include physical and occupational therapy, oral medications, chemodenervation, and neurosurgical interventions. Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is used in the management of spasticity in selected children with cerebral palsy, but, to the authors' knowledge, its use has not been reported in children with SCI. The authors describe the cases of 3 pediatric patients with SCI and associated spasticity treated with SDR. Two of the 3 patients have had significant long-term improvement in their preoperative spasticity. Although the third patient also experienced initial relief, his spasticity quickly returned to its preoperative severity, necessitating additional therapies. Selective dorsal rhizotomy may have a place in the treatment of selected children with spasticity due to SCI.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)266-270
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics
Volume14
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Selective dorsal rhizotomy
  • Spasticity
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Spine

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Surgery
  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Role of dorsal rhizotomy in spinal cord injury-induced spasticity: Report of 3 cases'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this