Considerations in the Management of Upper Extremity Spasticity

Abstract

Spasticity is a movement disorder characterized by a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone and a hyperexcitable stretch reflex. Common causes of spasticity include cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, and stroke. Surgical treatment plans for spasticity must be highly individualized and based on the characteristics of patients and the spasticity in order to maximize functional gains. Candidates for surgery must be carefully selected. In this article, the authors review the pathophysiology of spasticity and discuss general considerations for surgical management with an emphasis on patient factors and spasticity characteristics. Specific considerations for the common causes of spasticity are presented.

Keywords: Cerebral palsy; Management considerations; Spasticity; Spinal cord injury; Stroke; Surgical management.