Selective posterior rhizotomy in the pediatric cerebral palsy population: implications for nursing practice.
Cerebral palsy, suffered as a result of an anoxic episode during the perinatal period, is the most common physical disability in childhood. Spastic cerebral palsy is characterized by increased muscle tone and decreased range of motion resulting in impaired motor function. Application of an old neurosurgical procedure, the selective posterior rhizotomy, is a new alternative for treatment of spasticity which interferes with a child's motor ability. A detailed evaluation process is necessary to identify suitable candidates. The procedure involves selective surgical severing of L2 to S2 rootlets following electrophysiological stimulation and identification of abnormal responses. An overview of the surgical procedure, as well as nursing implications for the pre- and postoperative and rehabilitative periods will be discussed.
Shiminski-Maher
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Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, New York University Medical Center, NY 10016.
D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000601:surgery; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000451:nursing*; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000601:surgery*