Abstract
BACKGROUND: Quadriceps spasticity is responsible for a gait disturbance characterized by stiff knee with reduced knee flexion during the swing phase. Selective Femoral Neurotomy induces long-term muscle relaxation via a decrease of the stretch reflex. METHOD: Femoral nerve trunk is dissected just below the femoral crease. Motor branches to the rectus femoris and/or vastus intermedius muscles are identified using electrical stimulation combined with electromyographic recording, then partially sectioned according to an individualized preoperative chart. Postoperative rehabilitation is imperative for sustained gait improvements. CONCLUSION: Selective Femoral Neurotomy (SFN) is a lesion-based, permanent surgical treatment of spastic stiff knee gait.