Article

Fifteen spastic upper limbs in 13 patients were selected and prospectively studied. Brachial plexus dorsal rhizotomy was performed in which two, three, or four dorsal roots were completely sectioned. Patients were followed up for at least 12 months after surgery.; the mean follow-up period was 15.6 months and the maximum period was 30 months. A remarkable relief of spasticity was observed in all cases. Recurrence was observed in only one patient and was caused by insufficient dorsal root section. Functional improvement was observed in all cases, and functional improvement in the hand was found to be related to the presence of active finger extension in the preoperative period. Even whenextended dorsal root section was performed, no hand anesthesia, either total or partial, was observed. No patient lost movement ability in the postoperative period, and no ataxic limbs were observed.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI

Identifiant basis : 2000213371