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Funding of SDR

 

 

Funding of SDR

SDR surgery is now funded by NHS England for children who meet the following criteria:

  • The child is aged 3 years to 9 years inclusive with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy with spasticity mainly affecting the legs;
  • The child has dynamic spasticity in lower limbs affecting function and mobility and no dystonia;
  • The MRI brain scan shows typical cerebral palsy changes and no damage to key areas of brain controlling posture and coordination; *
  • The child functions at GMFCS level II or III; see below for more about GMFCS.
  • There is no evidence of genetic or neurological progressive illness;
  • The child has mild to moderate lower limb weakness with ability to maintain antigravity postures;
  • The child has no significant scoliosis or hip dislocation (Reimer's index should be <40%)

* The typical MRI changes are those of white-matter damage of prematurity or periventricular leucomalacia (PVL).
* Lesions in basal ganglia or cerebellum are contra- indications to SDR, since they are associated with other cerebral palsy types (dystonia /ataxia).

The NHS England funding package includes a fixed amount for community NHS teams to provide a set level of post op rehabilitation for 2 years. The amount funded is based on GMFCS level. Please note this cannot be used to pay a private therapist. Please ask the Physiotherapy team for more details should you need them.

If your child is not eligible for NHS funding however the MDT considers that SDR is an appropriate treatment option for your child, then you will be told. In this circumstance, you have the option to self-fund the SDR assessment and treatment process. The care of your child will be the same as if they were NHS funded, including being on an NHS ward.  

The above information is taken from the NHS England Guidelines:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/1769-selective-dorsal-rhizotomy.pdf 

For more information Gross Motor Function Classification Score (GMFCS) Levels, please visit the Can Child Cerebral Palsy website for more information.

(This information can also be found within the paediatric neurosurgery webpages.) (Please note some photos taken prior to facemask policies being in place in hosptials.)