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Functional outcome after selective dorsal rhizotomy: a retrospective case control study

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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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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Child Assessment Service, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR, China

    C. P. Chow, L. Y. Wong, C. Y. C. Poon, B. P. H. Yiu, T. P. S. Wong & M. Wong

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong SAR, China

    K. Y. Yam

  3. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China

    S. P. C. Ngai

Authors
  1. C. P. Chow
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  2. L. Y. Wong
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  4. B. P. H. Yiu
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  5. T. P. S. Wong
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  6. M. Wong
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Contributions

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.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to C. P. Chow.

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Ethics approval

The study was approved by the ethical committee of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Department of Health, HKSAR.

Consent to participate

Details of study information were explained to patients and their parents/guardians with written consents obtained.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

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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

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