Assessment Of the Clinical Outcomes of Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy in Treatment of Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Background: Spastic cerebral palsy is a prevalent motor disorder that impacts mobility and quality of life. Treatment options, including physiotherapy, medications, and surgery, aim to alleviate spasticity and improve motor function. Selective dorsal rhizotomy is a surgical procedure for children with diplegic spastic cerebral palsy, which reduces spasticity by cutting specific dorsal roots. Effective case selection is crucial for achieving favorable outcomes, as selective dorsal rhizotomy can significantly improve children's quality of life.Objective: This article aims to evaluate the clinical motor outcome in spastic cerebral palsy children who are treated with selective dorsal rhizotomy.Methods: In this study, twenty patients underwent selective dorsal rhizotomy. Patient outcomes were assessed preoperatively and compared postoperatively using clinical evaluations of muscle tone (Ashworth scale) along with subjective functional assessments via the Gross Motor Function Classification System.Results: The majority of patients showed significant improvements following selective dorsal rhizotomy. minor postoperative complications observed and most of them were treated conservatively, and most of patients maintained positive outcomes during follow-up.Conclusion: Selective dorsal rhizotomy is a safe and effective treatment for children with spastic cerebral palsy that requires a multidisciplinary team for optimal results. Success factors include careful case selection, comprehensive care planning, complication management, and family education on follow-up and physiotherapy.