Highly selective motor nerve block and movement analysis for preoperative evaluation of complex spastic gait

Lower-extremity spasticity and impaired gait control after central nervous system injury are challenging to improve, because spasticity limits residual motor control while providing mechanical support. Highly selective partial neurectomies (HSPNs) can substantially reduce spasticity but may have greater risks in patients with complex lower-extremity spastic gait.

To examine the potential of ultrasound- and stimulation-guided highly selective motor nerve blocks (HSMNBs) to assess the potential impact of reduced spasticity on gait.

In this retrospective series, six patients underwent HSMNBs with movement assessment before and after the block. Range of motion, strength, position angles, surface electromyography, lower limb kinematics, and patient satisfaction were assessed.

Pre- and post-HSMNB movement analysis yielded dichotomous gait kinematics, which facilitated surgical decisions. Of the 59 metrics evaluated, 82% demonstrated a positive improvement post-block (62% improved more than one standard deviation (SD) of typically developing means, 49% improved > 2 SD) and 16% demonstrated a negative change (2% worsened > 1 SD).

HSMNB provided clear efficacy in changing clinical, surface electromyography, and gait parameters. Movement analysis provided clear and robust objective and patient-centered evidence for surgical guidance. This protocol may provide utility in evaluation of patients being considered for HSPNs for complex spastic gait patterns.