Contralateral C7 nerve transfer via the prespinal route in treatment of spastic paralysis of upper limb after cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND

Upper limb spasticity leads to different degrees of disabilities in cerebral palsy, which seriously affects the life of patients. Contralateral C7 nerve transfer has been shown to improve function and reduce spasticity in the affected upper limb with post-stroke hemiplegia. However, reports about the efficacy of this procedure in treating upper limb spasticity caused by hemiplegic cerebral palsy were limited.

CASE DESCRIPTION: We reported two cases (a 23-year-old male and a 18-year-old female) who suffered from hemiplegic cerebral palsy with unilateral sustained upper limb spasticity and underwent contralateral C7 nerve transfer in adulthood. The scores of Fugel-Meyer and ROM of the affected upper limbs were observed before and after surgery. Compared with the preoperative, scores of the latest follow-up both were significantly improved. The muscle tension of the upper limbs decreased, and the symptoms of spasm were alleviated.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering contralateral C7 nerve transfer could effectively relieve spasticity and improve upper limb activity, it can be recommended as one of the reliable methods to manage spasticity and dystonia of upper limbs in patients with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.