Microsurgical DREZotomy in Spastic Cerebral Palsy: Poor Man's Baclofen Pump

Using an intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump for severe refractory spastic cerebral palsy is not a viable option in resource-constraint settings. Therefore authors assessed the role of microsurgical dorsal root entry zone-otomy (MDT) as an alternative for patients in whom the circumstances did not allow ITB pump placement.

A prospective clinical study was conducted from August 2016 to July 2020. All patients of spastic cerebral palsy (with III-IV Ashworth grade) who underwent MDT were included. Preoperative and postoperative Ashworth grade and Gross Motor Function Classification System level were assessed along with any change in power, sensation, and bladder functions postoperatively. At last follow-up, the patients' main care providers were asked to rate the effect of surgery (on scale of 0-5) on ease of providing care related to 6 activities of daily living.

Seven patients (5 males, 2 females) of spastic cerebral palsy with an age range of 6-21 years underwent MDT over the study period. Six patients had spastic diplegia, and 1 had spastic hemiplegia. Preoperative Ashworth grade in all patients was 3-4 in various involved muscle groups. Four patients with spastic diplegia underwent MDT at L3-S1 level bilaterally, 2 patients with spastic diplegia and spastic bladder underwent MDT at L3-S4 level bilaterally, and 1 patient with right-sided spastic hemiplegia underwent MDT at C5-T1 level and L3-S1 level on the right side. Postoperative Ashworth grade in all patients improved to 0-1. The improvement in mean Ashworth grade was from 3.14 ± 0.378 preoperatively to 0.29 ± 0.488 (P value = 0.000). Most care providers reported improvement in their ability to do physiotherapy, position, clothe, ambulate, and maintain patient's personal hygiene. Care providers of 6 patients reported that they were likely to recommend MDT to another similar patient.

MDT is a cost-effective tool in deceasing limb spasticity in spastic cerebral palsy, especially for those who cannot afford ITB placement.