HTA Details
Lumbosacral Dorsal Rhizotomy for Spastic Cerebral Palsy
- Publication date
-
2017-July-06
- Status
- Final
- Topic Area
- Neurological
- Recommendation
-
Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee Recommendation:
- The Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee recommends that lumbrosacral dorsal rhizotomy be publicly funded for children with spastic cerebral palsy who have been evaluated as appropriate candidates by a multidisciplinary team.
- The Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee recommends that this procedure be provided in the context of programs that offer appropriate pre-procedural assessment and post-procedural rehabilitation.
- Ministry Response
-
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has accepted this recommendation.
-
To read the full OHTAC Recommendation Report for this topic, contact our Health Innovation team using the contact form to request a digital copy.
Cerebral palsy refers to a spectrum of neuromuscular conditions caused by abnormal brain development or injury to the brain. It can be acquired before, during or after birth and there is no cure. Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of childhood physical disability, affecting approximately two per 1,000 live births.
Lumbosacral Dorsal Rhizotomy is a surgical procedure for children with spastic cerebral palsy (the most common form of cerebral palsy) that involves cutting nerves in the spine to decrease lower limb spasticity. The surgery is always followed by intensive inpatient and long-term outpatient physical rehabilitation.
The objectives of this health technology assessment were to evaluate the clinical effectiveness, safety, cost effectiveness, and family perspectives of lumbosacral dorsal rhizotomy as a treatment for children who have spastic cerebral palsy.
Last Updated: February 24, 2026
