What it is:  Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy is a surgical procedure used to treat spasticity, particularly spasticity in young children, usually between two and eight years old, with cerebral palsy. This operation reduces the spasticity in the leg muscles improving motor functions.

How it Works:   During this major operation, the surgeon will divide the sensory nerve fibers in the spinal cord, usually between the bottom of the rib cage and the top of the hips. The nerve fibers are then stimulated and the responses of the leg muscles are observed. Those that have an abnormal or excessive response are severed. Those with a normal response are left intact. By cutting the nerves, the spasticity is reduced in the leg muscles. The surgery takes approximately four hours to complete.

Intensive rehabilitation is required after the surgery, usually up to six weeks, followed by physical therapy on an ongoing basis. This operation improves motor function and spasticity control. Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy also may decrease hip subluxation and improve certain gait abnormality. In certain centers, it is presently limited to the treatment of spastic disorders.

For More Information:   To learn more about Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy, visit the following Web sites:

The Hyman-Newman Institute for Neurology and Neurosurgery

St. Louis Children's Hospital Center for Cerebral Palsy Spasticity

Orthodic Research & Locomotor Assessment Unit

Kennedy Krieger Institute

Connecticut's Children's Medical Center

Suite 101.com Real People Helping Real People

United Cerebral Palsy of New York City is providing basic information and recommends that you seek expert medical advice with regard to selective dorsal rhizotomy. UCP's providing this information should not be viewed as an endorsement of the treatment.

The image on this page is provided courtesy of the Washington University School of Medicine, St.Louis Children's Hospital's Web site.