Selective dorsal rhizotomy as an alternative to intrathecal baclofen pump replacement in GMFCS grades 4 and 5 children.

Background: Conventionally, selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) has been reserved for ambulant children and implantation of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump for non-ambulant children with cerebral palsy. Rather than replacing the ITB pump in selected Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) grades 4 and 5 children, we elected to undertake SDR instead. We discuss the rationale and outcomes.

Objectives: To assess if children with severe spasticity treated with long-term ITB pump would benefit from SDR as alternative procedure to replacement of ITB pump.

Method: This study is a prospective review of ten children with severe spasticity. Indications for ITB pump replacement in 3/10 children were previous ITB pump infection and the remaining seven were nearing depletion of drug delivery system. Pre- and post-SDR mean modified Ashworth scores, assessment of urological function and survey of parent/carer satisfaction were undertaken.

Result: Mean Ashworth score reductions post-SDR in the lower limbs and upper limbs were 2.4 and 1.70, respectively. An improvement in urological function was also noticed in 27% of patients. Overall, 90% of parents/carers felt that functional outcome with SDR was improved compared with that of ITB.

Conclusion: SDR in comparison to ITB in this subgroup is cheaper, less intrusive by avoiding refills/replacement and found to be more effective than ITB in reducing spasticity and providing ease for nursing care. We therefore suggest that consideration should be given to SDR as an alternative in patients previously implanted with ITB systems complicated by infection or nearing end of battery life.