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Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy
Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy
Cerebral Palsy & Spasticity
What is Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR)?
Suitability for Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR)
Before Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) Surgery
After Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) Surgery
What Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) Can Achieve
Contact details
Pathway at Bristol
Post-operative rehabilitation
Funding of SDR
FAQs
Cerebral Palsy & Spasticity
Cerebral palsy occurs when a child sustains a brain injury very early on in life. Although the brain injury is static, its effects change continuously in the growing child.
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What is Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy?
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and takes around 4 to 5 hours. The technique used is the same as that developed in St Louis, USA.
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Suitability for Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy
Children between 3 and 11 years of age, with a diagnosis of spastic diplegia, following premature birth, should be considered for SDR.
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Before Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy Surgery
You and your child will be asked to come to the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children (BRHC).
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After Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy Surgery
The child is encouraged to lie on the back, but will be helped to turn from side to side every 4 to 6 hours. Children may complain of a headache.
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What Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy Can Achieve
SDR unmasks the leg weakness. Although reduction in spasticity is immediate after the procedure, it takes time for the strength to return.
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