Orthopaedic surgery after selective dorsal rhizotomy

Data were collected on orthopaedic surgical interventions during the 5 years after surgery, for 35 consecutive children undergoing selective dorsal rhizotomy. At follow-up, 15 children had been operated in the lower limb. The most frequent procedures were subtalar arthrodesis, Achilles tendon lengthening and adductor tendon lengthening. Children with walking capacity were mostly operated with foot surgery and children without walking capacity were mostly operated with hip surgery. The need for orthopaedic surgery was highest among children with walking capacity.