Postoperative course of a patient undergoing selective dorsal rhizotomy for cerebral palsy

Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is a surgical technique for reducing spasticity associated with cerebral palsy (CP). In the present study, we investigated the changes of clinical symptoms before and after SDR in a child with CP undergoing functional training at the Okinawa Child Development Center. Total score on the Gross Motor Function Measure significantly improved compared to preoperative values at approximately six months, one year, and two years postoperatively. The level of spasticity also significantly decreased postoperatively compared to preoperative levels according to evaluation using the Ashworth scale and the modified Ashworth scale. Based on these findings, SDR was considered effective for reducing spasticity associated with CP. In addition, orthopedic surgery was performed after SDR in 47% of patients, indicating the need to further investigate the timing of SDR.