Orthopedic Surgery for Cerebral Palsy

Doctors do not agree about the best age for children with CP to have surgery. Surgery may be postponed until a child is older than age 2. At that time, the doctor can try to release many tight muscles during the same surgery, instead of releasing only one muscle at a time. Avoiding repeated surgeries has many advantages, such as decreasing the number of times a child needs to go to the hospital, decreasing overall time spent in physical therapy, and less disruption of the child's school and social life.

Before a child has orthopedic surgery, it is important to determine whether he or she will be able to walk after the procedure. The goals for children who will walk differ from the goals for children who will not walk.

Complete the surgery information form (PDF) (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.