Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is an invasive and irreversible surgical treatment with the aim to reduce spasticity in the legs in cerebral palsy. The sensory lumbosacral dorsal nerve roots are divided and this in turn lessens the excitatory input to the muscles and reduces tone. Summers et al. [Lancet Child Adolesc Health 2019; 3: 455–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/ S2352-4642(19)30119-1] have reported a prospective observational study from five hospitals in England aiming to improve motor function and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy. They assessed gross motor function [using the Gross Motor Function Classification System …