Phenol block of the tibial nerve for spasticity: a long-term follow-up study.

Ninety-two tibial nerve blocks with phenol were performed in 59 patients for treatment of severe spasticity of the foot. The Achilles tendon reflex was abolished, ankle clonus was eliminated and resistance to passive stretch was reduced substantially following the procedure in all patients. Significant functional gains were observed as a result of decrease in spasticity with long-term follow-up averaging 28.7 months (range 14-60). The simplicity of the procedure, the functional results observed with long-lasting effects, and the lack of serious complications, would suggest the more widespread use of this procedure in the treatment of the spastic foot.