Neurosurgical Interventions
Under the direction and expertise of Johns Hopkins neurosurgeon Dr. Shenandoah Robinson, we offer a variety of neurosurgical interventions to aid in the management of cerebral palsy and other neurological conditions. These neurosurgical procedures include selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR), baclofen pump placement and—in the future—deep brain stimulation (DBS).
- With selective dorsal rhizotomy, specific nerve fibers are eliminated to decrease spasticity. This procedure can improve your child’s ability to move.
- Baclofen is a medication used to decrease spasticity. For a baclofen pump placement, a pump is placed under the skin in the abdominal area with a catheter leading to the spinal canal. The pump continuously delivers baclofen in small doses directly into the spinal canal to reduce spasticity and variably improve comfort and function.
- Deep brain stimulation – This procedure has often been described as a “pacemaker for the brain.” Areas of the brain are identified that cause signals that produce unwanted movements. A neurosurgical plan is developed to treat the problem.
Orthopedic Interventions
Orthopedic surgical interventions vary depending on the degree of impairment and the potential for functional improvement. Our orthopedic experts combine operative care with intensive postoperative physical and occupational therapy to maximize surgical outcomes and rehabilitation benefits. When appropriate, single-event, multilevel surgeries are recommended.
Some of the most common procedures include:
- Tendon lengthenings and transfers
- Spine surgery for scoliosis
- Hand surgery
- Hip reconstructive surgery
- Derotational osteotomies