Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) on functional abilities in a well-defined group of ambulatory children with spastic diplegia.
Methods
Nine children were selected for SDR (mean age 65 months, range 43–82 months). Gross motor function was measured with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88). Self-care was assessed with the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and gait pattern was measured with the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EGS). There were nine single-case research designs with a 12-month follow-up after surgery.
Results
After 12 months the mean improvement in the total GMFM-88 scores was 8.8%. On an individual level, all patients improved significantly in comparison with baseline. Functional skills and care-giver assistance measured with the PEDI showed significant improvement. Improvement in gait was also found; in particular, better initial contact and heel-lift resulted in an increased EGS.
Conclusion
In this well-defined group of ambulatory children SDR had a small but significant positive effect on gross motor function, self-care and gait pattern.
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Acknowledgements
This study was financed by the Dr. W.M. Phelps Stichting in The Netherlands (project number 96.044). We thank Dr. R.L.M. Strijers, clinical neurophysiologist, for his collaboration in preparation and assistance during surgery.
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van Schie, P.E.M., Vermeulen, R.J., van Ouwerkerk, W.J.R. et al. Selective dorsal rhizotomy in cerebral palsy to improve functional abilities: evaluation of criteria for selection. Childs Nerv Syst 21, 451–457 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-004-1105-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-004-1105-1