Surgery Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

Successful surgery can increase independent motor function, such as improve walking and range of motion. It can also correct deformities in children with cerebral palsy.
Surgery is one of the many options available to help children with cerebral palsy improve mobility, posture and ensure healthy growth. Most doctors recommend physical therapy and medication before surgery.
Surgery can correct or improve movement and alignment in the legs, ankles, feet, hips, wrists and arms. These operations are performed on the muscles, tendons, bones and nerves.

As is the goal with all treatment of cerebral palsy, surgery aims to give children the greatest chance of living as independently as possible. Movement problems caused by cerebral palsy can improve over time, but they may also get worse. The main purpose of surgery is to make the condition more manageable and prevent future complications.
There are several orthopedic surgeries that correct movement problems and increase range of motion. These procedures are used to treat spasticity (jerky, exaggerated movements), and are usually suggested when movement becomes too painful or difficult. Orthopedic surgery can prevent future complications, such as contractures and hip dislocations.
Muscle lengthening – Surgical lengthening of the muscles can relieve tightness in the hands and fingers. Lengthening muscles in the arms can allow children to better grasp objects and improve fine motor skills.
Tendon lengthening – Lengthening tendons can reduce painful, mobility limiting contractures—a permanent tightening of the tendons or muscles. This surgery is often used to improve a child’s ability to walk.
Tendon transfer – Tendon transfers allow better alignment of joints and make it easier to control movement. This procedure fixes tendons at different places on the bone. It is often used to improve the extension and flexing of the wrists.
Tenotomy/myotomy – Cutting the tendon (tenotomy) or muscle (myotomy) can relieve stiffness and tightening of the muscles and joints.
Osteotomy – This procedure is used to realign joints for better posture and mobility. It involves repositioning bones at angles more conducive to healthy alignments and is commonly used to correct hip dislocations in children with CP.

Arthrodesis – In severe cases of spasticity, when splints and casts aren’t enough, arthrodesis may be used to permanently fuse bones together. Fusing the bones in the ankle and foot can make it easier for a child to walk.