Brachial plexus dorsal rhizotomy in hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
Brachial plexus dorsal rhizotomy releases spasticity, improving the functional use of the hand. Grasping and pinch strength are augmented, together with movement speed and dexterity. Even when four dorsal roots have been sectioned, hand sensibility is largely preserved. Movement control is improved and equally advantageous in athetotic patients. Brachial plexus dorsal rhizotomy does not exclude the use of tendon lengthening or transfer procedures, but it is the authors' opinion that orthopedic procedures should be performed after dorsal rhizotomy. Children aged 5-6 years without muscle contractures are the ideal candidates to benefit fully from dorsal rhizotomy.
University of the South of Santa Catarina, Unisul, Department of Biological and Health Science, CCBS, Praça Getulio Vargas, 322, Florianópolis, SC 88020030, Brazil. bertelli@matrix.com.br
Jayme Augusto
JA
Bertelli
Marcos Flávio
MF
Ghizoni
Thatiana Rodrigues
TR
Frasson
Karla Samara Fernandes
KS
Borges
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000294:innervation*; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000294:innervation; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D019051:Rhizotomy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome