Cerebral Palsy Treatment

Surgery of any kind carries the risk of bleeding, infection or need for repeated surgery. Orthopedic surgery carries the additional risk that it may resolve some problems only to create more as a child grows and develops. Full Answer

Corrections made during orthopedic surgery may be temporary. As a person grows, the same muscles or other muscles may become tight and cause contractures. Additional surgery may be needed. Full Answer

The type of orthopedic surgery done to treat problems from cerebral palsy depends on which muscle groups are affected. Some basic goals are to loosen the: Muscles that make the hips turn toward the body (partial release of the hip adductor muscles).... Full Answer

After orthopedic surgery: Joints that were previously stiff can move more easily. However, the affected muscle may be weak. Some people may need to wear a cast or brace to support an area where movements are not under control. Full Answer

Orthopedic surgery is used to treat tight muscles and spasticity related to cerebral palsy. An incision is made in the skin over the affected muscle. Parts of the muscle are then cut to release the tightness. Full Answer

Complications after SDR are rare. Children need to have physical therapy for up to 1 year after this surgery. More study is needed to know the long-term effects of SDR on the function and condition of the bones and joints. Full Answer

In most cases, SDR does not affect other functions of the body, such as bowel and bladder control or the ability to have sex. In rare cases, problems such as strange sensations or loss of control over the bladder can occur. Full Answer

Some children have less muscle tightness (spasticity) and are able to move their legs more easily after SDR, although their legs may feel weaker and somewhat numb. Sometimes spasticity completely goes away. This surgery may decrease the chances of leg... Full Answer

Selective dorsal rhizotomy may be done to relieve muscle tightness and spasticity when CP severely affects the legs. The procedure may also improve the range of movement in the legs. SDR is especially useful when cerebral palsy affects both legs but... Full Answer

After surgery, physical therapy is needed. Also, orthopedic surgery and casts or braces may still be needed. Nerves that are cut during SDR do not grow back together. Sometimes not all nerves are cut, and other surgeries may be needed to cut those... Full Answer