title: Selective dorsal rhizotomy to decrease spasticity in cerebral palsy.
abstract: Until recently, treatment of muscle spasticity in children with cerebral palsy has consisted of physical therapy, bracing, and surgery to release and lengthen tight tendons of contracted muscles and correct muscle contractures. Selective dorsal rhizotomy is a surgical intervention that selectively cuts the spinal sensory nerve rootlets carrying the most abnormal signals, thereby reducing spasticity in all muscle groups of the affected extremities. It is not a cure for spastic cerebral palsy. Children who have this procedure can gain significant increases in knee and thigh ranges of motion and increased strength and muscle control if they have good family support and follow through with intensive postoperative physical therapy.
authors.affiliation: Jewish College of Nursing and Allied Health, St. Louis, USA.
authors.forename: V L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Hendricks-Ferguson
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Ortman
mesh_terms: D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000451:nursing* / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000601:surgery*; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009871:Operating Room Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000601:surgery*; D013523:Surgical Equipment