THE SPASTICITY which all too frequently accompanies lesions of the spinal cord is itself a disabling and, in fact, an incapacitating symptom over and above the effects of the original lesion. It is highly annoying to the patient, who at any time may be thrown into a violent muscular spasm, often associated with involuntary defecation, urination, and erection. In addition, it hinders ambulation and is an obstacle in the way of proper nursing care. It has also been thought to be a factor in the production and maintenance of decubitus ulcers. Until the introduction of anterior rhizotomy, there was no known method of adequately relieving the spasticity of paraplegia. Revision of the injured portions of the spinal cord, posterior rhizotomy, operations on the sympathetic nervous system, and medical treatment of all kinds had failed to give relief. Anterior rhizotomy was not always feasible, since the patient was often not in