Rehabilitation after selective dorsal rhizotomy in cerebral palsy: world experience in literature review

One of the surgical methods used to correct muscle spasticity in cerebral palsy (CP) is selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). The effectiveness of this method depends on the patient’s individual rehabilitation program (IRP), as well as on the timeliness, quality, and duration of rehabilitation interventions. This review presents a historical overview of SDR development, summarizes global experience in post-SDR rehabilitation for patients with CP, and highlights the key factors influencing its effectiveness. The success of SDR largely relies on a well-designed rehabilitation program that includes early initiation of physical therapy, optimal training intensity, and a multidisciplinary approach. The paper outlines the main stages of SDR evolution, analyzes current rehabilitation strategies, and provides examples of international protocols defining the frequency, duration, and sequence of therapeutic interventions. Special attention is given to postoperative kinesiotherapy, physiotherapy, neurodevelopmental techniques, and psychological support for families. The review emphasizes the need for standardization of rehabilitation programs and increased patient adherence to long-term therapy. The analysis confirms that combining surgical correction with comprehensive rehabilitation ensures optimal functional outcomes, promotes independence, improves quality of life, and strengthens the evidence base for developing national rehabilitation protocols.

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