Purpose: The literature lacks a concise overview of complications secondary to selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding post-SDR complications, and to present them concisely.

Methods: The protocol of the review was registered on Open Science Framework. Studies on SDR in cerebral palsy were included. The studies to be included used SDR for management of spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy. The long-term complications of SDR mentioned in the articles were inventoried.

Results: 30 studies were included for qualitative review. Twenty-one types of complication were identified. Structural complications were the commonest: scoliosis (214/1,043, 20.5%), hyperlordosis (101/552, 18.2%), spondylolysis (55/574, 9.5%) and kyphosis (67/797, 8.4%). Neurological complications comprised constipation (70/485, 14.4%), hip subluxation (3/29, 10.3%), spastic syndrome (4/47, 8.5%), sensory changes (106/1290, 8.2%) and urinary incontinence (61/1013, 6%).

Conclusion: This review should help surgeons and parents alike to know about the potential complications of SDR. Complications may affect quality of life and should be weighed. Although the majority of these complications were managed conservatively, there would still be a physical, psychological and financial burden which should be taken into account. Screening should be continued vigorously throughout skeletal growth and at reduced frequency thereafter, for timely intervention in case of structural complications.