Percutaneous radiofrequency foramenal rhizotomies.
Thirty quadriplegic and paraplegic patients with intractable spasticity underwent percutaneous radiofrequency foramenal rhizotomies. This produced improvement in 94% of the patients, with excellent results in 73%. The complication rate was 3%. The major disadvantage of the procedure was recurrent spasticity, which was dealt with by simple repetition of the procedure. Rehabilitative goals were facilitated; needless painful disability was avoided; a need for intense nursing was reduced; the prevention and treatment of decubitus ulcer formation was enhanced. The study suggests that this procedure is effective, inexpensive, and at low risk to the patient.
D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000532:radiotherapy; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011677:Punctures; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011846:Radio Waves; D012008:Recurrence; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000601:surgery*