Drezotomy revisited : Our initial experience

Verma SK; Kumar S; Yadav KK

Volume : VI, Issue : IX, September - 2016

Drezotomy revisited : Our initial experience

Verma Sk, Kumar S, Yadav Kk

Abstract :

Objective: To share our experience of microsurgical drezotomy in the management of severe spasticity and to assess the results of microsurgical drezotomy for the treatment of lower–extremity spasticity. Method: Records of four patients with Severe Spasticity Grade 4 who underwent microsurgical L1–S2 drezotomy were analyzed. In all patients, drezotomy was performed on all roots of the lower limbs (from L1 to S2) for spasticity of the lower extremity. The degree of spasticity was measured by the Modified Ashworth scale (grade 0–4). Spasticity relief in the immediate postoperative period, 6 weeks , 6 months ,12 months & 24 months was analyzed. Results: Total of 4 patients from July 2013 to May 2015 were included in the study. Mean age was 52 yrs . All were male patients having spastic quadriparesis following traumatic injury of the spinal cord. All patients had grade 4 Spasticity of both lower limbs according to Modified Ashworth Score. Patient’s spasticity was not relieved by maximal medications and they had extensive flexors spasms which was affecting their activities of daily living (ADL). Compå the preoperative and postoperative spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale, we observed improvement in all patients. None of the patients experienced severe, life–threatening postoperative complications. Conclusion: Patients whose are affected by severe spasticity, microsurgical drezotomy can provide good relief thereby helping them to get back to a better quality of life post trauma.