Phase II Randomized Study of Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy and Physiotherapy Vs Physiotherapy Alone for Spastic Diplegia

PROTOCOL ENTRY CRITERIA: --Disease Characteristics-- Spastic diplegia, i.e.: Measurable spasticity with more lower than upper limb involvement Fair to good trunk and head control Little or no bulbar involvement Able to walk or has potential to walk indoors with assistive devices No fixed musculoskeletal deformity greater than 15 degrees Prior orthopedic surgery acceptable if spastic muscle group is in physiologic biomechanical position and retains voluntary power No detectable athetosis, rigidity, ataxia, or other movement disorder No disease-related, treatable condition that may become urgent during study, e.g., hip subluxation requiring adductor release --Patient Characteristics-- Age: 3 to 18 Other: Intelligence Quotient greater than 50 Developmental age 3 years or higher Able to follow multi-step commands Expressive communication skills at 3-year level or higher Mild dysarthria or drooling does not exclude Stable social environment Regular school and physical therapy attendance Normal psychiatric status Guardian able to give support and follow-up care No medical contraindication to anesthesia or surgery, e.g.: Previous anesthesia reaction Chronic lung disease Uncontrollable seizures Scoliosis Vertebral anomaly Neural tube defect No visual impairment sufficient to hinder mobility Able to come to Children's Hospital and Medical Center for follow-up Insurance coverage adequate for surgery and postoperative physiotherapy