Cerebral Palsy Surgery in India

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of conditions affecting movement and posture, caused by abnormal brain development or injury before, during, or shortly after birth. It affects each child differently, and surgical treatment is only one part of a broader, ongoing care plan built around a child's specific pattern of muscle tone, spasticity and functional ability, typically classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).

What surgery can and cannot do

Surgery for cerebral palsy is used to reduce spasticity, correct joint or bone deformity caused by muscle imbalance, and improve function, comfort, or ease of care, depending on a child's specific goals. It is important for families to understand that surgery manages the effects of cerebral palsy; it does not cure the underlying brain-based condition. The right procedure, and how much it can realistically help, depends heavily on your child's specific GMFCS level and goals, which is why a thorough evaluation always comes before any surgical recommendation.

Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR)

SDR is a neurosurgical procedure that selectively cuts specific overactive sensory nerve roots in the spinal cord to permanently reduce spasticity in the legs, most commonly used for children with spastic diplegia who can walk with support. It is a one-time procedure that requires committed, intensive physical therapy afterward, generally 6-12 months, to translate the reduced spasticity into improved movement and strength.

Orthopaedic surgery for cerebral palsy

Orthopaedic procedures address the musculoskeletal effects of long-term spasticity, including tendon lengthening or transfer to correct tight or imbalanced muscles, muscle release for contractures, and bony correction (osteotomy) for joint or bone deformities such as hip displacement. For children who walk, the goal is often improving gait and reducing deformity; for children who do not walk, the goal is often achieving a comfortable, well-positioned, brace-able limb that supports easier care, seating and transfers.

Intrathecal baclofen pump

For children with more severe, widespread spasticity, an intrathecal baclofen pump may be an option, a small device implanted under the skin that delivers a muscle relaxant medication directly into the spinal fluid on an ongoing basis. Unlike SDR, this is an adjustable, reversible option rather than a one-time nerve procedure, and requires periodic refills and monitoring.