Surgery
Operations involving the nervous system (neurosurgery) and the bones, tendons, and muscles (orthopedic surgery) are another treatment option for spasticity. Surgery is generally not recommended if you have had a recent injury to your brain or spinal cord because your muscle tone will change during the recovery period.
Treating children with spasticity is particularly challenging because their spasticity may change as they grow and develop. At times, an operation may allow more normal bone and muscle growth.
In many cases, a combination of neurosurgical and orthopedic operations may be undertaken. While each surgical approach has strengths and weaknesses, none completely eliminate spasticity or its effects. Surgery should not be seen as a last resort when other treatments have failed. Instead, surgery may be considered when a permanent reduction is needed in muscle tone or when muscle force needs to be redirected.
As with any other spasticity treatment, surgical intervention must be incorporated into an overall spasticity management plan. An ongoing physical therapy program following surgery is important to maximize the benefits available from the operation.
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