Surgery

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____________Orthopedic_Surgery________

In November of 1998 Micah had orthopedic surgery on his left hip because the femor was not fitting in and shaping the joint correctly. If left alone it would have dislocated eventually. He also had adductor lengthening of both legs. The surgery took four hours. He had a two night, three day hospital stay.

Above is a picture of micah in his cast after he had orthopedic surgery.

______Selective_Dorsal___Rhizotomy______

What?

A neurosurgical technique in which selected nerve fibers in the spinal column are cut to reduce spasticity in the legs. It works by interrupting spinal cord reflex circuits.

Who?

Children between the ages of four to eight that have pure spasticity, no fixed deformities, good balance, selective muscle control and the ability to walk (either unassisted or with braces, a walker, ect.).
(much of the above information is from the publication Touch, click for more info)
Why Micah didn't have a selective dorsal rhizotomy:
Micah's Developmental Pediatrician, Dr. R. Wachtel, and his Physiatrist, Dr. Katherine Alter, both strongly agreed that Micah did not fit the profile for favorable outcomes. They both also agreed that he would have a greater benefit from the use of a Baclofen Pump. We believe they were correct.

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