What is SDR surgery | Selective dorsal rhizotomy | Conditions we treat | Paediatrics | Manchester Neuro Physio | Neurological Physiotherapy for Adults and Children across the North West.

What is Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery?

SDR surgery is the only surgery that can provide a permanent reduction in spasticity.

SDR surgery cuts the motor nerve roots (ventral roots) coming out of the spinal cord which is responsible for causing spasticity.

The neurosurgeon removes part of the vertebrae called the lamina and cuts through meninges to access the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Ultrasound and x-rays are used to locate the spinal cord and the separation between sensory and motor nerves.
The sensory nerve roots are further divided into rootlets, these are then tested with an electromyogram (EMG) which detects electrical patterns and rates them on being mild or severe. A rootlet that causes spasticity comes up as severe on the EMG.
Rootlets that causes spasticity are cut, and then the same procedure occurs from spinal level L1-S2.
The whole procedure takes around 4 hours and your child will spend around 2 hours in the recovery room.

To book an assessment or for more information please email office@manchesterneurophysio.co.uk call 0161 883 0066 .