Who qualifies for SDR surgery?

Age: If your child is age 4 to 7, they are typically candidates for SDR surgery, but older children can benefit from the procedure as well. Cognitive abilities: Because SDR surgery requires extensive rehabilitation, the best candidates are cognitively able to follow directions and participate in therapy.

Is selective dorsal rhizotomy covered by insurance?

Generally, most insurance companies provide benefits for the selective dorsal rhizotomy. It is extremely important for you to contact your insurance company to notify them of the planned surgery.

What is SDR medical?

Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is a surgery done on the lower spinal cord to reduce spasticity (high muscle tone) in the legs. Certain abnormal nerve fibers that cause high muscle tone are cut. The goal of SDR is to relax the muscles by identifying and cutting only those nerve fibers that contribute to spasticity.

When was rhizotomy invented?

In 1898 C.S. Sherrington described relief of muscle spasticity by posterior root section in de-cerebrate cats. Between 1908 and 1912 Harvey Cushing performed three dorsal rhizotomies to improve his patients’ quality of life.

How does selective dorsal rhizotomy ( SDR ) surgery work?

Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery is a procedure that treats muscle spasticity caused by abnormal communication among the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. It corrects muscle spasticity by cutting the nerve rootlets in the spinal cord that are sending abnormal signals to…

When to return to Cleveland for selective dorsal rhizotomy?

Some children who are not immediate candidates for selective dorsal rhizotomy are asked to return in six months to a year for further evaluation. At that time, some children may have progressed to a point where surgery will be recommended. Muscle tone is controlled by a reflex of nerves located in the spinal cord.

Who are the best candidates for SDR surgery?

When evaluating candidates for SDR surgery, a team of experts including an orthopedic surgeon, a neurosurgeon, a pediatric rehabilitation medicine physician and a physical therapist will consider: Cerebral palsy type: The best candidates for SDR surgery typically have spastic diplegic cerebral palsy that affects the legs more than the arms.

How long does it take to get a decision on dorsal rhizotomy?

The evaluation usually takes two to three hours. After each team member has individually met with your child, the group jointly discusses whether dorsal rhizotomy might be helpful. Parents usually learn of the decision that same morning, and receive a formal letter with the team’s recommendations within three weeks.