Abstract
Objectives
We investigated the long-term effects and predictive indices of efficacy of tibial
nerve neurotomy in a large series of patients with post-stroke hemiplegia.
Methods
Fifty-one patients were prospectively included, who showed disabling lower limb deformity
(equinus, varus, clawing toes). The motor branches of the tibial nerve were selected
according to the type of deformity, and partially resected at the posterior part of
the calf. Patients were regularly assessed, before surgery and from the third month
to the second year post surgery, for spasticity (primary outcome measure), motor control,
range of active and passive movements, balance, walk, gait parameters, Rivermead Motor
Assessment (RMA), subjective improvement and satisfaction.
Results
Neurotomy definitely reduced spasticity and improved motor control on antagonist muscles,
while improving balance, walk, and the RMA. These effects were clearly perceived in
daily living. A discrete decline was at times observed at 2 years. Functional improvement
was greater in patients more severely impaired. Side effects, consisting in sensory
disorders, were observed following neurotomy of the motor fascicles of the flexor
digitorum longus.
Conclusions
Tibial nerve neurotomy showed great and lasting effects, and can be proposed to improve
walking and balance in stroke patients with disabling lower limb deformity.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 05, 2009
Accepted:
November 26,
2008
Received in revised form:
November 25,
2008
Received:
September 17,
2008
Identification
Copyright
© 2008 Elsevier B.V. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
