Abstract
Purpose
This study examines long-term benefit on functional outcomes and quality of life after selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) in children with spastic diplegia in Hong Kong.
Method
This is a case control study. Individuals with spastic diplegia who were at 6 to 12 years post-SDR were recruited. Age, gender, cognition, and Gross Motor Function Classification System level-matched individuals with spastic diplegia who had not undergone SDR were recruited as controls. Outcome measures included physical level, functional level, physiological level, and quality of life. All data were compared by independent t-test.
Results
Individuals post-SDR (n = 15) demonstrated a significantly better range of ankle dorsiflexion in knee extension by − 5.7 ± 10.9° than the control group (n = 12). No other significant differences were observed.
Conclusion
SDR is a safe, one-off procedure and provides long-term reduction in spasticity with no major complications. With the heterogeneity, we did not demonstrate between-group differences in long-term functional outcomes.
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CP Chow, LY Wong, M Wong, Poon C.Y.C., Yiu B.P.H., Wong T.P.S. and SPC Ngai wrote the main manuscript. KY Yam was the neurosurgeon who did the selective dorsal rhizotomy surgeries.
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The study was approved by the ethical committee of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Department of Health, HKSAR.
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Details of study information were explained to patients and their parents/guardians with written consents obtained.
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Chow, C.P., Wong, L.Y., Poon, C.Y.C. et al. Functional outcome after selective dorsal rhizotomy: a retrospective case control study. Childs Nerv Syst 40, 873–880 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-023-06213-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-023-06213-7