Dystonia: a case report and review

Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by increased muscular tone for which surgical treatment has met with less than ideal results. Surgical treatment in patients with dystonia is often avoided due to the relative success of medical therapy. However, if expectations stay realistic and if the patient with dystonia is continuously evaluated, appropriate surgical measures may be taken when necessary to optimize patient satisfaction. The authors present a case of successful surgical treatment in a patient with a relatively static but crippling lower extremity deformity. A review of dystonia is included with successful surgical treatment of this compound neurologic disease causing lower extremity deformity in a young female. Diagnosis and treatment options including surgical planning and principles in the dystonic patient are highlighted.