Surgery Puts Boy With Cerebral Palsy On Track To Walk May 6, 2009

Cutting edge cerebral palsy surgery available only in America has helped a British boy improve movement in his legs. With two years of physical therapy, doctors expect the boy, who could not walk before the surgery, will walk independently without aids.

Four-year-old Henry Ford underwent selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery on March 31, 2009 to sever problem causing nerves in his spinal cord. The procedure permanently reduces muscle spasticity.

Ford suffered a birth injury that resulted in cerebral palsy leaving him unable to walk. He began displaying symptoms just after birth mostly in his leg muscles, which became stiff and immobile. As he grew, it became painful to use his legs.

Now, Ford is able to walk with the help of a walker and can crawl up onto his couch and kick.