Postoperative Functional Recovery and Rehabilitation Following Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy.

Abstract

Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) has been practiced for many years; however, standardization of processes such as the surgical technique and rehabilitation protocols are only relatively recent phenomenon. Comparing data from various studies can be limited due to temporal changes in practice, different selection criteria for SDR, the heterogeneity of cerebral palsy and variable rehabilitation protocols. This chapter reviews the available evidence in relation to best practice for rehabilitation following SDR and explores factors affecting the short- and long-term outcome following SDR. This includes more easily measurable factors, such as the child's preoperative Gross Motor Function Measurement (GMFM) and severity of spasticity, to social and cognitive factors which can affect participation in rehabilitation.