Incidence of spinal abnormalities in patients with spastic diplegia 17 to 26 years after selective dorsal rhizotomy

Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical status of the spine in patients with spastic diplegia 17-26 years after selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). Methods We compared original radiographic reports from our earlier short-term follow-up study with current X-rays. In addition, we obtained magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the spine and additional information regarding back pain and clinical assessments. Results Thirty patients (17 males and 13 females; median age 26.8 years) participated in the current study, with median follow-up times of 4.0 and 21.4 years. Comparison of the X-ray results showed respectively: scoliosis 0% and 57%; kyphosis 0% and 7%; lordosis 21% and 40%; spondylolysis 18% and 37%; and spondylolisthesis grade I occurred in one patient. The only statistically significant difference was found for scoliosis (p < 0.01). The majority had Cobb angles