Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy Program at Nationwide Children's

Experience, Quality and Compassion

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy: Bhoomi's Story

Watch Video

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy Program at Nationwide Children's

The Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy Program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is offered to patients from around the country experiencing spasticity – a condition that causes stiff, tight muscles that can’t be controlled because of a problem with the signals the brain sends (or doesn’t send) to the nerves. Most people who are good candidates for selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery have spastic cerebral palsy (CP). In nearly everyone who undergoes the operation, Selective dorsal rhizotomy improves mobility, reduces pain, and relieves lower-limb muscle spasticity.

Selective dorsal rhizotomy is offered by only a handful of pediatric hospitals. It is considered a safe and effective operation, but few surgeons are trained in the technique. Nationwide Children’s Neurosurgery Chief Jeffrey Leonard, MD, has decades of experience performing this complicated procedure.

 

US News Badge Neurology and Neurosurgery

Nationwide Children's Hospital is ranked by U.S. News & World Report for Neurology and Neurosurgery.

US News Badge Neurology and NeurosurgeryWhy Choose Nationwide Children's Hospital for Your Child's Care

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the leading children’s hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery, our care for your child and family spans more than just your time at our hospital. We know there are a lot of factors to selecting the right care team for your child. Here is what sets us apart:

We Put Your Family at the Center of Everything We Do

Laughing boy in hospital bed

Complete Care

We treat children and young adults at all stages of development and address every facet of a child’s well-being. Patients will work with professions within Neurosurgery, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation (PM&R), as well as Physical, Occupational and Recreation Therapy to create a holistic plan for personalized care before, during and after the operation.

Young rehab patient shooting hoops with a therapist

Inpatient Rehabilitation

Nationwide Children’s is home to an onsite Inpatient Rehab Unit accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment. This means that SDR patients who receive inpatient rehabilitation don’t have to leave the building for the next phase of care following surgery.

Dr. Leonard and SDR Patient at Nationwide Children's Hospital

Experience

Jeffrey R. Leonard, MD, chief of Neurosurgery and director of the SDR program, has more than 20 years of experience in pediatric neurosurgery. He is renowned for his expertise in specialized neurosurgical procedures like SDR. Prior to joining Nationwide Children’s, Dr. Leonard spent 11 years on the faculty at St. Louis Children’s Hospital where he worked closely with the late T.S. Park, MD, the recognized pioneer in helping children with the SDR procedure.

cerebral palsy patient

Patient Support

Our private Facebook group, Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy, gives you a personal, private connection with other families who are undergoing similar experiences, understand what you are going through and can offer invaluable support. 

Ronald McDonald House Columbus, OH

Ronald McDonald House

Nationwide Children’s Hospital is home to the world’s second largest Ronald McDonald House. Conveniently located right on our main campus, just steps away from the hospital, the Ronald McDonald House allows you to remain a part of your child’s care team while providing you a home away from home.

Speak With Our Team

Nationwide Children's Hospital Medical Professional

Jeffrey R. Leonard

Jeffrey R. Leonard, MD is the Chief of Neurosurgery and the Surgical Director of the Neuro-Oncology Program. 

Selective dorsal rhitzomy is considered a safe and effective operation and is only offered at a handful of pediatric hospitals, including Nationwide Children’s. Here are some frequently asked questions about selective dorsal rhizotomy.

What is SDR?

Selective dorsal rhizotomy is considered a safe and effective surgery. It is only offered at a handful of pediatric hospitals, including Nationwide Children’s. Here are some frequently asked questions about selective dorsal rhizotomy.

Read more Frequently Asked Quesetions

Nathan R
Patient Story

Meet Nathan

Nathan who was born 5 weeks early, along with his twin sister, via emergency c-section was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy just after his first birthday. As his sister met every milestone, Nathan was falling farther and farther behind.