Rapid Progression of Hip Subluxation in Cerebral Palsy After Selective Posterior Rhizotomy

Summary: Rapid progression of hip subluxation was noted in the year after selective dorsal rhizotomy in seven hips (six patients). The hips that subluxed progressed from a lateral extrusion index averaging 25% preoperatively as compared with 50% after rhizotomy. Although preexistent hip dysplasia was a predisposing factor, hips with an intermediate degree of preoperative lateral extrusion (12–25%) had variable results. Ongoing and more frequent evaluation of hip stability is necessary after dorsal rhizotomy.