Possibilities of applying the method of radiofrequency (RF)thermal destruction to correct spasticity in childrenwith cerebral palsy

Abstract

For the treatment of focal spasticity in the TurnerInstitute we developed and applied the approach toreduce spasticity in children with cerebral palsy byapplying the method of radiofrequency thermal de-struction of peripheral nerves and muscle motorpoints. This method is based on the effect of heatrelease during the passage through biological tissueof radiofrequency currents. The procedure was totally performed in 112 patients aged 1,2 to 14 yearsold with a level of spasticity over 3 points on a scaleAshworth. In order to reduce hypertonia of femuradductors, the target for RF ablation was obturatornerve; we targeted on the motor point of the gastrocnemius muscle in equinus, to reduce forearm flexorhypertonia we targeted on the musculo-cutaneousnerve, flexor muscles of the hand we intervened on their motor points. A positive result was maintained at follow-up of 6 months to one year in all patients, maximum - 2 years. The obtained results are preliminary and subject to further statistical processing, but they are quite comparable with the results of the use of type A botulinum toxin preparations. The proposed method of treatment is minimally invasive, virtually devoid of the risk of postoperative complications, can cut one stage spasticity in the muscles of various motor segments in children with cerebral palsy of great age range, including children up to 2 years old.

Keywords

cerebral palsy / radiofrequency thermal destruction / spasticity

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RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Zvozil A.V., Umnov V.V., Novikov V.A., Umnov D.V.