[Peripheral neurotomies for the treatment of focal spasticity of the limbs].

Introduced by Stoffel in 1912 for the treatment of spastic equinus foot, selective fascicular neurotomy consists in a partial section of the motor collaterals of the muscles presenting excessive spasticity. This peripheral surgery for spasticity is based on two main concepts: 1) Spinal reflexes and muscles are heterogeneous and have a regional organization depending on their role during normal movements. This is the physiological base of focal spasticity and peripheral treatment. 2) There is a differential re-innervation after a partial section, leading to motor recovery without spindles reinnervation (therefore without spasticity). Before performing neurotomies, a careful clinical assessment is required: what kind of spasticity? For what kind of goal (functional or comfort)? The surgery effects can be mimicked by motor nerve blocks (anesthetic drugs) to give to the patient an idea of the expected result. There are many neurotomies, depending on the clinical status, either in the lower or the upper limb. The most frequent is tibial neurotomy for spastic equinus foot.