A Mixed Methods Study of Practice Variation in Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy: A Study by the Cerebral Palsy Research Network

Ziyad Makoshi, Jeffrey Raskin, Robert Bollo, Brandon Rocque, Susan Zickmund, Patrick Galyean, Grace Perry, Samuel Browd, Paul Gross, Kristie Bjornson, Jeffrey Leonard*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is an established procedure for the treatment of spasticity associated with cerebral palsy (CP). With the indications for the procedure expanding, we aimed to investigate provider perception about SDR candidates against the characteristics of those undergoing SDR in the CP Research Network (CPRN) registry. Methods: This was a mixed methods study. Descriptive data on 2486 individuals in the CPRN registry and results of semistructured interviews with 41 providers about the effect of age, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, and dystonia on consideration for SDR are reported. Results: SDR was performed in 238 individuals, majority aged eight to 12 years (n = 105), GMFCS level II (n = 46), and white (n = 183). Most neurosurgeons perform a single-level SDR. Providers believe the majority of individuals undergoing SDR are between five and six years and GMFCS level II with variable agreement. There was no significant agreement about the youngest age (P = 0.451) or ideal GMFCS level (P = 0.451) for SDR. Providers had agreement on the oldest age for SDR (P = 0.041), how to screen for dystonia (P < 0.001), and dystonia as a contraindication for SDR (P < 0.0005). Conclusions: Providers show variation in regard to what they believe the youngest age or ideal GMFCS level is for SDR but agree on performing SDR in older age groups, screening for dystonia with a neurological examination, and being less likely to perform SDR in the presence of dystonia.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)159-166
Number of pages8
JournalPediatric neurology
Volume149
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2023

Funding

The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions of Jeanette Young, Serena Yang, Rachel Andes, Jacob Kean, Kristie Bjornson, Joline Brandenburg, Darcy Fehlings, Shenandoah Robinson, and Heather Spader. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. J.R received Medtronic Educational honoraria not related to the current study. Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. The authors have no commercial or financial conflicts of interest to report. J.R received Medtronic Educational honoraria not related to the current study.

Keywords

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Dystonia
  • Registry
  • Rhizotomy
  • Spasticity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Neurology
  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Clinical Neurology

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