Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy for Cerebral Palsy Spasticity Reduction

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery is a procedure that treats muscle spasticity caused by abnormal communication between the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. It decreases muscle tightness by reducing the number of abnormal signals to the muscles. Motor nerves are left intact.

Who is a suitable candidate?

• Any age child 
• Can walk
• Have good strength
• Can work with physical therapy

What to expect after an SDR

• Reduction in spasticity.
• Improvement in walking patterns.
• Improved energy efficiently.
• Reduction in orthopedic procedures
• Improvement of range of motion and functional mobility.
• Increased independence in performing self-care activities, such as getting dressed and grooming.

Dorsal and Ventral Rhizotomy for Spastic Quadriplegic patients

A dorsal rhizotomy only decreases the number of sensory inputs causing spasticity. In some patients that will make dystonia worse. These are the rhythmic, slow movements. In patients that do not ambulate, both sensory and motor roots may be cut to get rid of spasticity and dystonia. The number of sensory roots cut will be based on intra-operative monitoring. Fifty percent of each motor root will be left.

Who is a suitable candidate?

• Any age child
• Does not walk or use the legs to functional movement
• Failed medicine and injections management

The outcomes for selective dorsal and ventral root rhizotomy are as follows.

• Reduction in spasticity.
• Reduction in orthopedic procedures
• Improved energy efficiently.
• Improvement of range of motion
• Ease of performing care activities.
• Improved positioning and caregiving

ASK US A QUESTION

Make an appointment contact:

Dwight Henry
Email: dwight.henry@vcuhealth.org
Phone: 804-828-2456