We want our son to have a SDR. I was wondering has anyone here had the surgery done at either UVA or MCV? If so what neurosurgeon performed the surgery?

Hi -

My son had the SDR procedure done in 1989 in Louisville, KY by Dr. Gregory Nazar. At that time, Dr. Park was doing SDR surgeries in Charlottesville at UVA. I think I heard that Dr. Park has since gone to St. Louis, but someone at UVA is probably doing the procedure after being trained by Dr. Park.

The surgery really helped our son whose diagnosis is spastic diplegia due to a premature birth. He was 5 years old when he had the surgery and walked with a Kaye posture walker. Post-op, there was a lot of PT, but 11 months later, he walked alone for the first time! He continues with PT and his gait isn't perfect, but he doesn't need a cane or walker.

I remember being told that the SDR surgery isn't a cure for anyone, but allows for marked improvement if the follow-up PT is done.

I suggest you call both UVA and MCV and ask who is doing the surgery now and maybe for the names of some parents you could talk with. Wish I could recommend someone to you from personal experience.

Good luck! Barbara :)