Cerebral Palsy Surgery

Surgery for cerebral palsy is used to treat tight muscles and spasticity related to cerebral palsy. An incision is made in the skin over the affected muscle and parts of the muscle are then cut to release the tightness.

After-effects of surgery:

After surgerey, joints that were previously stiff can move more easily. However, the affected muscle might be weak. Some patients may need to wear a cast or brace to support an area where movements are not under control. In addition to that some patients may need to have additional orthopedic surgeries.

Why opt for surgery?

The type of surgery done to treat problems from cerebral palsy depends on which muscle groups are affected. A basic goal is to loosen the muscles that make the hips turn toward the body or partially release the hip adductor muscles. This surgery increases hip movement thereby allowing a child to sit and walk more easily. Surgery also aims to loosen muscles on the back of the thigh or partially release hamstring. These muscles control the tension in the thigh and around the knee thereby allowing a child to sit and walk with a normal posture. Surgery can also help to loosen the tendon at the back of the ankle or lenghten achilles tendon or heel cord. This surgery can help a child walk with flatter feet.

Disadvantages of surgery:

Corrections made during surgery for cerebral palsy may be temporary. As the patient grows, the same muscles or other muscles may become tight and cause contractures and therefore additional surgery may be needed. But surgery of any kind carries with it the risk of bleeding, infection or need for repeated surgery. Surgery carries the additional risk that it may resolve some problems only to create more problems as the patient grows and develops.

Surgery is not always essential but it is sometimes recommended so as to improve muscle development, to correct contractures and reduce spasticity in the legs. Before selecting any surgical procedure one should make sure the doctor thoroughly discusses the risks involved, the long-term effects and the postoperative follow-up. It is also advisable to get a second opinion and speak with other parents whose children have had the same surgical procedure.

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