title: Single-level selective dorsal rhizotomy for spastic cerebral palsy.
abstract: The management of cerebral palsy (CP) is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is a neurosurgical technique that aims to reduce spasticity in the lower limbs. A minimally invasive approach to SDR involves a single level laminectomy at the conus and utilises intraoperative electromyography (EMG). When combined with physiotherapy, SDR is effective in selected children and has minimal complications. This review discusses the epidemiology of CP and the management using SDR within an integrated multidisciplinary centre. Particular attention is given to the single-level laminectomy technique of SDR and its rationale, and the patient workup, recovery and outcomes of SDR.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; ; TY Nelson Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.
authors.forename: Kristian
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Aquilina
authors.affiliation: The Wolfson Neurodisability Service, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cawker
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; ; Kids Rehab, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Paget
authors.affiliation: The Wolfson Neurodisability Service, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wimalasundera
keywords: Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR); cerebral palsy (CP); paediatric neurosurgery; treatment outcome