Functional outcome after selective dorsal rhizotomy: a retrospective case control study

Purpose: This study examines long-term benefit on functional outcomes and quality of life after selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) in children with spastic diplegia in Hong Kong. Method: This is a case control study. Individuals with spastic diplegia who were at 6 to 12 years post-SDR were recruited. Age, gender, cognition, and Gross Motor Function Classification System level-matched individuals with spastic diplegia who had not undergone SDR were recruited as controls. Outcome measures included physical level, functional level, physiological level, and quality of life. All data were compared by independent t-test. Results: Individuals post-SDR (n = 15) demonstrated a significantly better range of ankle dorsiflexion in knee extension by − 5.7 ± 10.9° than the control group (n = 12). No other significant differences were observed. Conclusion: SDR is a safe, one-off procedure and provides long-term reduction in spasticity with no major complications. With the heterogeneity, we did not demonstrate between-group differences in long-term functional outcomes.