Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy is a neurological surgery that is used to reduce spasticity in children with certain types of Cerebral Palsy. At The Children's Hospital this procedure is performed by a Pediatric Neurosurgeon. The selection process for this surgery is a team decision, primarily made in our Spasticity Clinic. The team members in this clinic include neurology, neurosurgery, physiatry, othopedics and physical therapy. Once candidacy is determined, a child must have an evaluation by a Physical Therapist and an Occupational Therapist to assess range of motion of joints, strength, spasticity, motor skills, gait, self-care activities, equipment and parent goals for the child.
Physical therapy begins day 1 after sugery. An intensive regime of physical therapy and occupational therapy continues for several months post-surgery to ensure the best result possible, including the realization of many parent/child goals.
The goals of Physical therapy after Rhizotomy include:
