Selective Percutaneous Myofascial Lengthening (SPML)

less pain, less time, better results

What is SPML?

Selective Percutaneous Myofascial Lengthening (SPML) is a surgical procedure developed by the outstanding orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Roy Nuzzo. It is performed under general anaesthetic to treat tight tendons and spasticity found in children who suffer from Cerebral Palsy. The procedure is done by making very small (about 2-3 mm) skin incisions. SPML doesn’t require stitches, patient can be dispatched on the same day after operation and no intense postoperative care in hospital is required.

back to top

Video Summary for SPML

Medicineinukraine.com

Case 1 - 1 Case 1 - 2 Case 1 - 3

Which Parts are treated by SPML?

Our surgeons perform SPML to remove tightness in many locations on hands and legs. The most common areas for the procedures are:

  1. Behind the knee
  2. Groin area
  3. Low calf

back to top

What Age is recommended for SPML?

Although the procedure works better for children, there are no age restrictions on SPML procedure. And thanks to the use of micro incisions the scar tissue (if any is visible) will be hardly differentiable from surrounding area.

back to top

How Fast Can Patient Improve After SPML?

On average, the patient is allowed to walk within the first 2-7 days after operation. A month or two may go by until the patient fully regain the level of activity as before surgery, then monthly improvement will follow up to 6 months after operation, the final results will be clearly seen after one year of SPML.

As for physical therapy, it can start 2-3 days after surgery. It should include:

  1. Walking and taking steps on an uneven ground
  2. Taking very large steps
  3. Sitting with stretched legs (long sitting)

back to top

What are The Advantages of SPML?

There are many advantages that make Selective Percutaneous Myofascial Lengthening the better option when compared to other procedures that may enhance mobility. The advantages of SPML include:

  1. The duration of operation is only 15-20 minutes
  2. Same day dispatch from the hospital
  3. Short recovery time
  4. Small 2-3 mm incisions with minimal scarring
  5. Minimal blood loss
  6. Quick mobility restoration
  7. Back to daily routine and school in less after 5-7 days
  8. Decreases spasticity in many locations

back to top

What is the Success rate of SPML?

The best documented data on SPML procedure is the one collected and analysed by its developer Dr. Roy Nuzzo and his team.

A study was conducted on 500 patients under the age of 13 years and it showed:

  1. 0% infection
  2. No vascular or neurologic injuries acquired or reported
  3. No case in which pain medications where used for more than 5 days.
  4. No postoperative infections
  5. No revision was required for any case
  6. Redo as result for recurrence of muscle contracture was only 3%
  7. Parent showed 100% no regrets of any kind

Combined with its almost perfect success rate, the positive impact on the quality of child’s life and of course extreme affordability, Selective Percutaneous Myofascial Lengthening (SPML) procedure is your correct choice all around. Contact us now, to find out if your child/love ones are eligible candidate for this procedure.

back to top