CASE REPORT
Long-term benefits from selective dorsal rhizotomy in a young patient with cerebral palsy
 
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1
Cardiology Clinic of Physiotherapy Division of the 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
 
2
Mazovian Neurorehabilitation and Psychiatry Center, Rehabilitation Department, Zagórze, Poland
 
3
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland
 
4
Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
 
 
Submission date: 2016-08-08
 
 
Acceptance date: 2016-11-21
 
 
Online publication date: 2016-12-06
 
 
Publication date: 2020-03-22
 
 
Corresponding author
Mariusz Pawłowski   

Cardiology Clinic of Physiotherapy Division of the 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Szpital Bielański, Cegłowska 80, 01-809 Warsaw, Poland. Tel.: +48 22 569 02 92; fax: +48 22 569 02 92; mobile: +48 796 062 122.
 
 
Pol. Ann. Med. 2017;24(2):256-260
 
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Spasticity is considered to be one of the most important factors hampering functional abilities among patients with a cerebral palsy (CP).

Aim:
The aim of the study was to present results of the selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) procedure combined with the physiotherapy process in a 3 year follow-up study, presented from a functional and structural perspective

Case study:
After the diagnosis of CP in the form of spastic diplegia, the 2-years-old patient (GMFCS 4) was directed for a comprehensive rehabilitation. After clinical examination and family consultation, spasticity was found to be important factor limiting patient functional abilities.

Results and discussion:
The patient was directed to SDR operation. The patient was evaluated four times: before the SDR, and then 1, 2 and 3 years after the SDR surgery. The spasticity was assessed using the modified Tardieu scale. A functional assessment was done using the gross motor function measure (GMFM) scale, 6-min walk test and functional assessment questionnaire (FAQ-10). Amuscle tension remained decreased throughout the 3 years of the follow up period. The achieved reduction in muscle tone was accompanied by a change in a range of motion, an improvement in GMFM total score result, an increased distance in 6-min walk test and in the FAQ-10 questionnaire.

Conclusions:
SDR procedure combined with comprehensive rehabilitation programs leads to short- and long-term reduction in the spasticity of a 5-year-old boy with a spastic diplegia. Decreased level of spasticity was accompanied by an increased gross motor functioning and mobility.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None declared.
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