Severe lumbar lordosis after dorsal rhizotomy

Abstract

Two children with spastic quadriplegia who developed excessive lumbar lordosis after selective dorsal rhizotomy are described. The rhizotomy did not change the ambulatory status of either child (one nonambulator, one household ambulator). Preservation of unopposed hip flexion in the presence of multiple laminectomies may lead to the development of a lordotic deformity in children who sit most of the time. Excessive lumbar lordosis may cause pain and difficulty in sitting. Surgical correction of this deformity is complex because of the removal of posterior elements during the rhizotomy.