Eber Medical Group
★ Pioneer: Upper Limb & Hand Restoration

Spastic Hemiplegia Treatment

Hemiplegia affects millions, often leaving patients with a functional leg but a non-functional, spastic hand. Eber Medical Group is the global leader in upper-limb FSPR, restoring independence to patients once thought beyond surgical help.

Understanding Spastic Hemiplegia

Hemiplegia is a form of paralysis that affects one side of the body. In the spastic form, the muscles are constantly tight and contracted. This leads to characteristic deformities:

  • Upper Limb: Shoulder internal rotation, elbow flexion, wrist flexion, and a clenched fist (thumb-in-palm).
  • Lower Limb: Hip adduction, knee stiffness, and equinus foot (walking on toes).

Eber's Innovation: The "Paralyzed Hand" Breakthrough

For decades, surgery for spasticity focused almost exclusively on the lower limbs to improve walking. Professor Sun Chenyan changed this in 2016 by successfully adapting the Functional Selective Posterior Rhizotomy (FSPR) technique for the upper limbs.

By precisely sectioning pathological nerve rootlets at the C5–T1 levels, we can "melt away" the spasticity in the hand and arm without losing sensation.

A Milestone in Neurosurgery

"In 2016, we performed the first upper-limb FSPR on a hemiplegic patient. Within weeks, the patient moved their fingers independently for the first time in years. Today, this is a routine procedure at Eber for international patients seeking hand restoration."

Our Treatment Approach

We follow the Eber 3-Stage Protocol specifically adapted for hemiplegia:

  1. Neurosurgical Release: FSPR (Functional Selective Posterior Rhizotomy) to eliminate spasticity.
  2. Orthopedic Balancing: CP-MMA to lengthen tendons and correct joint deformities in the wrist or ankle.
  3. Intensive Sensory-Motor Rehab: Specialized occupational therapy to 'teach' the brain how to use the newly released limb.

Functional Gains: The 10km Milestone

At Eber Medical Group, we believe that "independence" means returning to a normal life. A prime example is a 19-year-old male patient with birth-injury spastic hemiplegia.

Before treatment, his right hand was non-functional. Following upper-limb FSPR and intensive rehab, he achieved:

  • Fine Motor Recovery: Regained the ability to cut vegetables and perform the delicate movements required to brew tea.
  • Gross Motor Recovery: Improved his balance to the point where he could ride a bicycle for 10 kilometers without stopping.

This case, in cooperation with hand experts from Huashan Hospital, demonstrates that even young adults with lifelong CP can achieve transformative results through the Eber Protocol.

Hemiplegia — FAQs

How is hemiplegia different from other forms of CP?
Hemiplegia specifically affects one vertical half of the body (e.g., the right arm and right leg). While walking is often possible, the affected arm and hand typically suffer from severe spasticity, leading to a 'clenched fist' or 'wrist flexion' deformity that prevents functional use.
Can surgery really restore use to a paralyzed hand?
Yes. In 2016, Professor Sun Chenyan performed the world's first FSPR surgery specifically for a paralyzed hand. By releasing the overactive nerve signals in the cervical spine (neck), we can reduce hand spasticity, allowing patients to regain fine motor tasks like writing or using a fork.
What is the success rate for upper limb restoration?
For patients with spastic hemiplegia, the functional improvement rate at Eber is significantly high. While 'normal' function is rare, 'functional' recovery—the ability to hold objects, assist in dressing, and perform self-care—is a realistic and frequently achieved goal.