Abstract
Intractable and severe spasticity in childhood has the ability to impact on the quality of life, function and care of the child. Where medical and physical measures have proved insufficient, a surgical approach may be pursued. Irrespective of the underlying pathology, intrathecal baclofen will reduce spasticity in a controllable and reversible fashion, whereas selective dorsal rhizotomy is reserved for the management of bilateral cerebral palsy due to early birth. Owing to the potential for complications of intrathecal baclofen and the permanence of selective dorsal rhizotomy, careful selection and preparation are required to produce satisfactory results.