Highly Selective Partial Neurectomies for Spasticity: A Single-Center Experience

Abstract

Background: Sedating antispastic medications and focal therapies like botulinum toxin are the most common therapies for spasticity but are temporary and must be performed continuously for a principally static neurological insult. Alternatively, highly selective partial neurectomies (HSPNs) may reduce focal spasticity more permanently.

Objective: To quantify the change in spasticity after HSPN and assess patient satisfaction.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with upper- and/or lower-extremity spasticity treated with HSPN from 2014 to 2018. Only cases with a modified Ashworth scale (MAS) score independently determined by a physical therapist were included. Pre- and postoperative MAS, complications, and patient satisfaction were evaluated.

Results: The 38 patients identified (24 male, 14 female; mean age 49 yr) underwent a total of 88 procedures for focal spasticity (73% upper extremity, 27% lower extremity). MAS scores were adjusted to a 6-point scale for evaluation. The mean preoperative and final postoperative follow-up adjusted MAS scores were 3.6 and 1.7, respectively (P < .001), which represents average MAS less than 1+. Positive, neutral, and worse results were described by 91%, 6%, and 3% of patients, respectively. Four patients requested revision surgery. No perioperative complications were encountered.

Conclusion: This is the first North American series to analyze HSPN for spasticity and the only series based on independent evaluation results. HSPN surgery demonstrated objective short- and long-term reduction in spasticity with minimal morbidity and excellent patient satisfaction.

Keywords: Cerebral palsy; Modified Ashworth scale score; Nerve surgery; Neurectomy; Spasticity; Spinal cord injury; Stroke.