Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR)

Need to know

• What happens during SDR surgery? icon plus

  The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic, meaning your child will be asleep during surgery.

  Your paediatric neurosurgeon will make a small incision in your child's spinal canal to identify the nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord. The sensory nerve roots connected to your child's leg muscles are separated and individually tested. Any roots found to contribute to muscle stiffness are cut, making it easier for your child to use their legs more normally.

  At the end of the procedure, the incision in your child's back will be closed with dissolvable stitches. The entire operation usually takes around four hours in theatre.

• How to prepare icon plus

  Your consultant will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. A few weeks before the operation, you'll need to bring your child in for a full pre-operative assessment, including muscle strength and walking assessment and range of movement measurements.
  
  You and your child can come to the hospital the day before the operation to meet the team. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.

• Afterwards icon plus

  After the procedure, we'll care for your child in hospital for about six days. During this time they'll have personalised physiotherapy. This will involve strengthening exercises to increase their range of movement and help them walk.
  
  After your child leaves the hospital, they'll need to come back to The Portland for regular physiotherapy for two weeks. Follow-up physiotherapy is essential and your child should have this several times a week for the first six months. We'll monitor your child's progress at 6, 12 and 24 months after the operation.