Cerebral Palsy presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to muscle stiffness and spasticity that can limit a child’s ability to move freely. At KIMS-Sunshine, we understand the profound impact these challenges can have on daily life. That’s why we offer Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), a transformative surgical treatment designed to enhance mobility and quality of life for children with spastic Cerebral Palsy.

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy is a highly specialised procedure that targets the root of the problem—literally. By selectively cutting nerve fibres that are sending abnormal signals to the muscles, SDR effectively reduces spasticity, allowing for more fluid and controlled movements. This procedure can be life-changing, offering children the opportunity to move more freely, gain independence, and participate more fully in everyday activities.

At KIMS-Sunshine, our experienced neurosurgeons and multidisciplinary team are committed to delivering this advanced treatment with the utmost care and precision. We combine state-of-the-art technology with a personalised approach, ensuring that each child receives the best possible outcome tailored to their specific needs.

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) is a groundbreaking procedure that offers new hope for children with spastic Cerebral Palsy. At KIMS-Sunshine, our expert team approaches this surgery with meticulous precision, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your child. Here’s how the procedure works:

1. Pre-Surgical Preparation: The journey begins with comprehensive evaluations, including detailed imaging studies and neurological assessments. These evaluations help us understand the specific areas of spasticity and tailor the SDR procedure to your child’s unique needs.
2. Administering Anaesthesia: On the day of the surgery, your child will be administered general anaesthesia, ensuring they are fully asleep and comfortable throughout the procedure. Our anesthesiologists will closely monitor your child’s vital signs to maintain the highest level of safety.
3. Accessing the Spine: The surgeon will make a small incision in the lower back to access the spinal cord. This incision is carefully planned to minimise recovery time and discomfort.
4. Identifying the Nerve Roots: Using advanced technology, the surgeon will identify the specific nerve roots responsible for sending abnormal signals to the muscles. This step is crucial, as it allows for the precise targeting of the nerves that need to be cut.
5. Selective Cutting of Nerve Fibres: The surgeon will selectively cut the problematic nerve fibres, effectively reducing the spasticity in the muscles. This step requires a high degree of skill and precision, ensuring that only the necessary nerve fibres are cut while preserving healthy ones.
6. Closing the Incision: Once the nerve fibres are selectively cut, the surgeon will carefully close the incision. Your child will then be moved to the recovery room, where they will be closely monitored as they wake up from anaesthesia.

At KIMS-Sunshine, we are dedicated to making the SDR procedure as smooth and effective as possible. Our multidisciplinary team works closely with your family, providing the support and expertise needed to help your child achieve their fullest potential.

At KIMS-Sunshine, we carefully evaluate each child’s condition to determine if SDR is the best course of action. Here’s who can benefit most from this life-enhancing surgery:

1. Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: SDR is primarily recommended for children who experience spasticity, a condition where certain muscles are continuously tight or stiff due to abnormal nerve signals. This stiffness can interfere with movement and daily activities, making SDR an ideal option to reduce spasticity and improve mobility.
2. Ambulatory Children: The procedure is most beneficial for children who have some ability to walk but are hindered by spasticity. SDR can help these children walk more comfortably, with better balance and coordination, enabling them to engage more fully in physical activities and daily life.
3. Children with Stable Neurological Conditions: SDR is suitable for children whose neurological condition has stabilised, meaning their spasticity is not expected to worsen. This ensures that the benefits of SDR can be long-lasting and help maintain or improve their current level of function.
4. Candidates for Intensive Rehabilitation: SDR requires a commitment to post-surgical rehabilitation. Children who are likely to benefit most are those who can participate in and benefit from an intensive physical therapy program following the surgery. This therapy is crucial for strengthening muscles and optimising the outcomes of the procedure.

At KIMS-Sunshine, we understand that every child’s journey with Cerebral Palsy is unique. Our team of experts conducts thorough assessments to ensure that SDR is the right choice, offering your child the best possible chance for a brighter, more active future.

When it comes to treating spastic Cerebral Palsy, making the right choice can profoundly impact your child’s life. Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) at KIMS-Sunshine offers a transformative option that goes beyond managing symptoms—it empowers children to move with greater freedom and independence. Here’s why SDR could be the right choice for your child:

1. Significant Reduction in Spasticity: SDR directly targets the nerve fibres responsible for muscle stiffness, leading to a dramatic reduction in spasticity. This means your child can experience more natural movement patterns, making daily activities easier and more comfortable.
2. Improved Mobility and Function: By reducing spasticity, SDR can enhance your child’s ability to walk, stand, and engage in physical activities. This improvement in mobility can lead to increased independence, allowing your child to participate more fully in school, play, and family life.
3. Long-Term Benefits: SDR is not just a short-term solution. The procedure offers lasting benefits, helping to prevent the progression of spasticity and reduce the need for future orthopaedic surgeries. This long-term impact can significantly improve your child’s quality of life.
4. Tailored to Your Child’s Needs: At KIMS-Sunshine, we understand that every child is unique. Our experienced team conducts thorough evaluations to ensure that SDR is the right fit for your child’s specific condition. We tailor the procedure to maximise benefits while minimising risks.

Choosing SDR is a decision that can open doors to a more active, independent life for your child. At KIMS-Sunshine, we are committed to guiding you through every step of the journey, ensuring that your child receives the highest level of care and support.

At KIMS-Sunshine, we believe that making an informed decision is key to choosing the best care for your child. While Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) offers significant benefits in reducing spasticity and improving mobility, it’s essential to understand the potential risks associated with the procedure. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Surgical Risks: As with any surgery, SDR carries some inherent risks, including infection, bleeding, or complications from anaesthesia. However, these risks are minimised through meticulous surgical planning, sterile techniques, and close post-operative monitoring by our experienced medical team.
2. Weakness in the Lower Limbs: One potential risk of SDR is that your child may experience temporary or, in rare cases, long-term weakness in the lower limbs. This occurs because the procedure involves cutting nerve fibres that contribute to spasticity, which may also impact muscle strength. Comprehensive rehabilitation is designed to help address and overcome this weakness.
3. Changes in Sensation: Some children may experience changes in sensation in their lower body after SDR, such as numbness or tingling. While these sensations typically improve over time, our team will closely monitor and manage any changes to ensure your child’s comfort and recovery.
4. Bladder or Bowel Function Changes: There is a small risk of changes in bladder or bowel function following SDR, as these functions are controlled by nerves in the spinal cord. Our team will provide support and guidance to manage any such changes, should they occur.
5. Spinal Deformities: In rare cases, SDR may contribute to the development of spinal deformities, such as scoliosis. This risk is carefully evaluated during the initial assessment, and ongoing monitoring helps detect and address any issues early.
6. Possibility of Incomplete Results: While SDR is highly effective for many children, there is no guarantee that it will completely eliminate spasticity or that all children will experience the same level of improvement. Our team will work closely with you to set realistic expectations and ensure that SDR is the right choice for your child’s specific condition.

At KIMS-Sunshine, we prioritise your child’s safety and well-being. Our experienced team will provide you with all the information you need to weigh the benefits and risks of SDR, ensuring that you feel confident in your decision. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to post-surgery recovery, with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome for your child.

The journey to enhanced mobility and independence doesn’t end in the operating room. At KIMS-Sunshine, we understand that post-surgery recovery is a crucial part of your child’s Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) experience. Our dedicated team is here to support your child every step of the way, ensuring a smooth transition from surgery to a stronger, more active life.

1. Immediate Post-Operative Care: After the SDR procedure, your child will be closely monitored in a recovery room to ensure their comfort and safety as they awaken from anaesthesia. Pain management is a top priority, and our team will administer medications to keep your child comfortable during the initial recovery period.
2. Hospital Stay: Your child will typically stay in the hospital for several days following the surgery. During this time, our multidisciplinary team will work together to monitor their progress, manage pain, and begin gentle movement exercises to prevent stiffness and promote circulation.
3. Physical Therapy Begins: Early physical therapy is essential to maximise the benefits of SDR. Our specialised paediatric physical therapists will start working with your child soon after surgery, focusing on gentle exercises to help them regain strength, flexibility, and coordination. This initial therapy sets the foundation for more intensive rehabilitation in the weeks to come.
4. Transitioning Home: Once your child is ready to leave the hospital, we’ll provide you with detailed instructions and guidance on how to care for them at home. This includes managing any remaining pain, monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection, and continuing with prescribed exercises. Our team will be just a phone call away, ready to address any concerns or questions you may have.
5. Ongoing Rehabilitation: The weeks and months following SDR are critical for achieving the best possible outcomes. Your child will participate in a structured, intensive physical therapy program designed to build strength, improve balance, and enhance motor skills. This therapy is tailored to your child’s specific needs and goals, helping them make the most of their new-found mobility.

At KIMS-Sunshine, we’re committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care throughout your child’s SDR recovery journey. Our goal is to help your child achieve a brighter, more independent future, filled with new possibilities and greater freedom of movement.