'Spasticity' is the term for stiff or rigid muscles that can cause pain, intense cramping and greatly interfere with walking, movement, and even speech. Spasticity is a very frequent and disabling symptom of Cerebral Palsy (CP). Various medications (muscle relaxers, analgesics, anticonvulsants), procedures such as Botox injections, and surgical muscle lengthening have been used to treat spasticity for persons with CP. Many patients with CP are reluctant to consider Botox injections and surgical musclelengthening as these are newer and more invasive procedures.This secondary review of the literature will investigate the safety and efficacy of Botox and surgical hamstring lengthening as treatment for CP spasticity. It is hypothesized that the surgical lengthening may carry greater risks of adverse events but will yield superior outcomes in function, flexibility, and the patient-reported quality of life. Results will be provided. Surgery is often a 'last' considered approach to treatment; however, if safe and highly effective, it may be advantageous for patients to consider early in the care process.
