Finley's SDR story

After undergoing numerous tests during the first period of his life, Finley was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 18 months old.

Life-changing SDR surgery for young Finley
After the operation I can walk, kick, swim and play football
Finley's cerebral palsy diagnosis
When he was four years old they decided to look into the option of SDR surgery which they had heard may help Finley. They attended the clinic at The Portland Hospital and Mr Kristian Aquilina, Consultant Paediatric Neurosurgeon was optimistic.
When we first saw Finley his legs were tight, but he was finding ways around it. He was able to walk with some help, and because of that we thought Finley would be an excellent candidate for selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR).
Mr Kristian Aquilina, Paediatric Neurosurgeon
Finleys groundbreaking SDR surgery
"The surgery takes about three hours. In order to reduce some of the spasticity in Finley's legs, we cut some of the sensory nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord. I'm pleased to say the operation was a great success."
Finley’s rehabilitation is a long-term process”, and it starts by an intense period of therapy at The Portland immediately after surgery.
Finleys rehabilitation begins
"That was the longest day of my life, having to watch Finley be put to sleep whilst he was in my arms. I definitely felt more at ease after the operation though, when Mr Aquilina told us he was incredibly excited to see how Finley was going to progress because he was such a determined boy."
Whilst there is no cure for cerebral palsy, the benefits of SDR can be great in helping to aid the development of young children with this condition. Of course as Mr Aquilina explains, the operation is only a small part of the treatment.
We have seen great improvement in Finley’s ability to move over the last year. He can now run, jump, hop and go up and down the stairs easily without holding the rail. He is doing football training with a mainstream team and kicks the ball very well! We look forward to seeing Finley in another year to see what else he can achieve.
Claire, Senior physiotherapist on the SDR service
A look ahead with excitement
The improvement seen in Finley by his family is the most touching thing of all, with his mum Carrie emphasising just how positive the outcome has been thus far. "He gets up and he’s a happy little boy in the morning and he's excelling at school. SDR has changed him completely for the better. The future is bright!"
Happy times for Finley
It seems fitting to leave the last word to the young man himself, who has never once let his condition deter him from doing the things he loves. As his mum emphasised Finley has always been a positive boy, but is seemingly feeling even more so after his SDR surgery.
“Before the operation I found it difficult to walk, run and even to cross my legs, but now I can do all of those things as well as swim, play football - and I’ve even done rock climbing. Thank you so much to the SDR team at the Portland!”

More information about cerebral palsy and SDR
Enquire about SDR treatment
Would you like to know more and find out if your child might be suitable for SDR surgery? Our SDR team are happy to answer any questions and are able to book an appointment for an assessment with a consultant and physiotherapists.