SELECTIVE POSTERIOR RHIZOTOMY IN THE DORSAL-ROOT ENTRY ZONE FOR TREATMENT OF HYPERSPASTICITY AND PAIN IN THE LOWER LIMB(S)

  • 1 January 1987
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 33  (6) , 433-454
Abstract
The authors report a series of 52 bedridden patients having harmful spasticity in one (6) or both (47) lower limb(s) and treated with selective posterior rhizotomy (SPR) in the dorsal root entry zone (DREZ). This severe spasticity was associated with irreducible flexion contracture in 49 cases and hyperextension in 3 others in 3 others. 37 of these patients also had painful manifestations. The method was introduced in 1972 on the basis of anatomical studies of the DREZ in humans which showed a topographical segregation of the afferent roots according to their anatomicofunctional destinations. The technique consists of a 2 mm deep DREZ microsurgical cut directed at a 45 degree angle into the posterior lateral sulcus just ventral to DREZ and Lissauer''s tract of the spinal cord. The porcedure was carried out at each sensory rootlet considered to be responsible for the harmful spasticity and pain. SPR interrupts selectively the lateral nociceptive and central myotactic afferent fibers curving toward Lissauer''s tract and the anterior spinal cord, while sparing most of the medial lemniscal fibers curving toward the dorsal columns, as well as the fibers of the inhibitory circuitry of Lissauer''s tract and dorsal horn. The results were evaluated after a 1 to 14 year follow-up. Mild to severe complications occurred in 25 patients (47.1%) and were responsible for death in 5 (9.4%). Both spasticity and spasm were significantly decreased or completely eliminated in 75% and 88.2% respectively; when present, pain was relieved without a total suppression of sensation in 91.6%. These benefits-combined with complementary orthopedic surgery in 23 patients.sbd.resulted in either a complete resolution or marked reduction of the abnormal postures and articular limitations (85.2% complete and 96.75 marked reduction). Because of the extreme severity of the pre-operative neurological deficits in almost all the patients in this series, surgery improved voluntary movements with a significant functional benefit in only 5 cases and vesico-sphincter function in none. Thanks to its valuable effects on hyperspasticity and pain, SPR in the DREZ made it possibe for these very disabled patients to be more comfortable in bed and wheel-chair and it allowed effective nursing and kinesitherapy to be resumed.