Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the activity and participation levels of adults with
spastic diplegia 17-26 years after selective dorsal rhizotomy; to investigate
relationships between subjects' functioning and age, socio-economic-status, level
of satisfaction and their perceptions of the post-operative outcomes. DESIGN:
Observational follow-up study. PATIENTS: Thirty-one subjects with spastic
diplegia, age range 21-44 years, who underwent selective dorsal rhizotomy between
1981 and 1991. METHODS:
A semi-structured interview was used to gather data on
patients' characteristics and long-term experiences after the operation. The
Functional Mobility Scale and Life-Habit questionnaire were completed. RESULTS:
Based on the Functional Mobility Scale 84% of subjects were reported as
independent for a distance of 5 m, and 61% for 50 and 500 m. Eighty percent were
independent in accomplishing all life habits, with most problems found for
Mobility and Recreation. This was in agreement with the subjects' perception,
with strong correlations between Life-Habit questionnaire accomplishment and
satisfaction levels. No significant associations were found between functioning
and age at selective dorsal rhizotomy, current age and socio-economic status.
CONCLUSION: More than 15 years after selective dorsal rhizotomy, adults with
spastic diplegia showed high levels of functioning, and similar levels of
satisfaction with life habits.
The majority had positive feelings about the
neurosurgical procedure, although there is a need for better follow-up after
subjects leave school.

Langue : ANGLAIS