Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy for the Treatment of Gait Dysfunction in Cerebral Palsy

» Objective physical examination measures should be developed and improved to identify and measure spasticity and to differentiate it from other types of movement abnormalities. » Using gait analysis as part of the preoperative evaluation of selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) can improve the safety and efficacy of this treatment of gait dysfunction in cerebral palsy. » A multidisciplinary team is crucial when assessing and managing children with cerebral palsy because spasticity is only one disease component of cerebral palsy and differentiating between different types of hypertonia is challenging. » A modest percentage of rootlet division (25% to 40%) reliably eliminates spasticity in cerebral palsy. » Long-term studies have shown that SDR is safe and may improve certain aspects of function.