Spinal deformity after selective dorsal rhizotomy in patients with cerebral palsy

Selective dorsal rhizotomy is used widely as a means of treating spasticity associated with cerebral palsy. Little is known regarding the effect of th e procedure on the development or progression of spinal deformity, The auth ors reviewed six patients with progressive deformity after rhizotomy, Prerh izotomy and postrhizotomy records of physical examinations and radiographs were reviewed retrospectively in an attempt to identify risk factors for de velopment of and/or rapid progression of, spinal deformity. Detailed preope rative and postoperative evaluation of spinal alignment should be undertake n, particularly in those patients who may be at risk of rapidly progressive deformity.