Patient- and Caregiver-Reported Outcome Measures after Single-Level Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Introduction: The aim of this cohort study was to assess the outcome of single-level selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) in children and young adults with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) treated at our institution, focusing on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and quality of life (QoL) of patients and their caregivers.

Methods: We included consecutive patients undergoing SDR from 2018 to 2020 at our institution. Subjective outcome was measured through PROMs, while functional outcome was measured through baseline characteristics, operative outcome, as well as short- and long-term follow-up. Furthermore, the effect of age at the time of surgery on patient/caregiver satisfaction was analyzed.

Results: Seven patients (3 female, 43%) with a median age at surgery of 11.9 years (IQR 8.7-15.5) were included. All patients had a Gross Motor Function Classification (GMFCS) score of at least IV before surgery. Five surgeries were palliative and two non-palliative. Based on PROMs, SDR showed very good QoL and health-related outcome measures for both palliative and non-palliative patients. Patient/caregiver satisfaction was higher for the early subgroup (age ≤11) than the late subgroup (age >11). Functional outcome showed reduced spasticity in both groups. Blood transfusions were never needed, while no cerebrospinal fluid leak, infection, or permanent morbidity was seen.

Conclusion: Based on PROMs, SDR leads to high satisfaction and improved QoL, especially if done at an early age. Further studies with larger cohorts are necessary to underline and confirm our observations.