Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy

Francesca has recently been accepted for major spinal surgery at the St Louis Children's Hospital, USA. The surgery, which is not available in the UK is called Selected Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR). SDR is a permanent procedure that selectively severs problematic nerve roots in the spinal cord reducing spasticty (stiffness). The patient will no longer feel tight, muscle tone will be normal and therefore movement much easier.

The Surgeon feels that Francesca is an excellent candidate for SDR and with time and lots of hard work on Francesca’s part she could begin to walk independently. We will spend a month in St Louis after the operation to develop a new physiotherapy programme for Francesca.

Click on the links below for more information on Selected Dorsal Rhizotomy and some very inspiring stories:

Jake Storr is eight years old and lives in Grimsby. Jake had SDR surgery on 9th March this year. Click on the link below for his SDR diary.