Neurectomy for treatment of pediatric spasticity: a review of literature

Introduction: Spasticity in the pediatric population presents significant management challenges. The aim of this study was to review the current literature on the use of selective neurectomy for treating pediatric spasticity. It is important to analyze children as a distinct group, as the selection criteria differ from those used in adults, and the procedure affects not only spasticity but also the overall development of the child. Methods: After a PubMed database search and applying inclusion criteria, we identified 14 relevant studies for this review. The following parameters were analyzed: patient age, number of participants, follow-up duration, Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) scores, goniometry/passive range of motion (PROM), and motor function. Results: There was considerable variability in the first three parameters (age, sample size, and follow-up period). All included studies reported improvements in spasticity, range of motion, and motor function when these outcomes were assessed. However, the methods used to evaluate these outcomes varied, limiting direct comparisons across studies. Conclusion: Although few studies on selective neurectomy for pediatric spasticity were found, all demonstrated significant improvements in parameters associated with enhanced quality of life. These findings highlight the need for further research focused specifically on this population.