SELECTIVE POSTERIOR LUMBOSACRAL RHIZOTOMY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CEREBRAL-PALSY SPASTICITY - A 10-YEAR EXPERIENCE

One hundred and sixty-eight patients had selective lumbosacral posteri or rhizotomies for the treatment of cerebral palsy spasticity at Red C ross War Memorial Children's Hospital and Groote Schuur Hospital durin g the 10-year period 1981 - 1991. There was no mortality and insignifi cant early postoperative morbidity. Long-term follow-up on 110 patient s has revealed satisfactory tone reduction in 95% of cases. The majori ty showed improvement in standing, sitting and locomotion. Thirteen pa tients had minor persistent sensory disturbances and 20% have develope d asymptomatic spondylolysis or grade I spondylolisthesis. Most therap ists, patients and parents remain enthusiastic about the results of th is procedure.