Functional assessment following selective posterior rhizotomy in spastic cerebral palsy

This study used the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory as a functional assessment tool for children with spastic cerebral palsy undergoing selective posterior rhizotomy. Sixteen patients were followed for 3-12 months following surgery. Improvement in self-care, mobility, and social functional skills were found. Overall, the patients required less caregiver assistance and needed fewer modifications for self-care. The results suggest that selective posterior rhizotomy improves the quality of life in children with spastic cerebral palsy.