[Dorsal rhizotomies in children]

Described for the first time by Foerster in 1908, dorsal rhizotomies are widely performed in spastic children, mainly in diplegics. The different techniques are presented: selective then sectorial rhizotomies developed by Gros in Montpellier, functional rhizotomies developed by Fasano. Literature analysis show a decrease in spasticity for 75% of the cases with a functional improvement in the less affected patients, i.e. those with still effective motor function. The most recent studies are devoted to the improvement of the spinal approach by laminotomies and show an increased interest for preoperative monitoring to limit the extent of the sections. In our experience, this surgery should be limited to children with uncontrolled spasticity which interferes with locomotor performances.