Selective Fibrotomy of Damaged Muscles (SFDM)

Our CP clinic specializes in the treatment of mobility dysfunctions in children and adults suffering from Cerebral Palsy. For this purpose, we utilize our own minimally invasive surgical procedure:

Selective Fibrotomy of Damaged Muscles (SFDM), developed by Professor Tovmasian. This procedure shares similarities with Selective Percutaneous Myofascial Lengthening (SPML) and can be described as an enhanced and more extensive form of it. SPML itself is a surgical procedure developed by the outstanding orthopedic surgeon Dr. Roy Nuzzo.

Summary

SFDM, perfected by Prof. Tovmasian, is performed under general anesthesia to treat tight tendons and spasticity found in children (as well as adults) with Cerebral Palsy. The procedure is done by making very small (about 2-3 mm in diameter) skin incisions. SFDM does not require stitches; patients can be discharged on the same day after the operation, and no intense postoperative care in the hospital is required.

Age

The earlier we can operate on the patient, the better results we can achieve. As for how early we can start, that would be no earlier than 24 months from birth. In children under 2 years old, spasticity is not yet present, so we recommend relying on physiotherapy at this early stage, especially massage therapy, which will help minimize the possibility of contractures and reduce the progression of mobility disabilities associated with cerebral palsy. Once the patient is older than 24 months and showing clear signs of abnormal motor function in cerebral palsy (CP), spasticity is already present, and it cannot be eliminated without surgical intervention.

Surgery

During the surgery, and depending on the severity of the patient’s condition, the surgeon will make up to 40 microsurgical incisions, each a microsurgery of its own, all performed simultaneously on all targeted body segments. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, lasting up to 1 hour. During this procedure, our surgeons will aim to completely eliminate all sources of spasticity in the patient during surgery to achieve the desired results. This method is minimally invasive, minimizing traumatic impact as much as possible to ensure faster rehabilitation.