A number of studies have analyzed the therapeutic efficacy of SDR and physical therapy (PT) compared to PT alone. A recent meta-analysis of the data from three studies provided evidence that patients undergoing SDR plus PT did better than PT alone. Stout et al evaluated oxygen cost (energy efficiency) with walking in patients who underwent a SDR.

One year after the procedure, operated patients showed a 27% reduction in O2 cost. Patient selection is the key to optimum outcome. In properly chosen patients, results of SDR can be better than other antispasticity approaches.

McLaughlin J, Bjornson KF, Temkin N, et al. Selective dorsal rhizotomy: meta-analysis of three randomized clinical trials. Develop Med Child Neurol 2000;42:25-6.
Stout J, Gormley M, et al. The effects of selective dorsal rhizotomy on oxygen consumption and gait velocity in children with cerebral palsy. Devel Med Child Neurol. 1997; Abstracts. 

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