Abstract
This study is a comparative analysis and meta-analysis of three randomized clinical trials. Children with spastic diplegia received either 'selective' dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) plus physiotherapy (SDR+PT) or PT without SDR (PT-only). Common outcome measures were used for spasticity (Ashworth scale) and function (Gross Motor Function Measure [GMFM]). Baseline and 9- to 12-month outcome data were pooled (n=90). At baseline, 82 children were under 8 years old and 65 had Gross Motor Function Classification System level II or III disability. Pooled Ashworth data analysis confirmed a reduction of spas-ticity with SDR+PT (mean change score difference -1.2; Wil-coxon p<0.001). Pooled GMFM data revealed greater functional improvement with SDR+PT (difference in change score +4.0, p=0.008). Multivariate analysis in the SDR+PT group revealed a direct relationship between percentage of dorsal root tissue transected and functional improvement. SDR+PT is efficacious in reducing spasticity in children with spastic diplegia and has a small positive effect on gross motor function.
| Original language | English (UK) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 244 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Journal | Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology |
| Volume | 50 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Apr 2008 |
| Externally published | Yes |