Spasticity is a contributing factor to the disability associated with a variety of neurological conditions in childhood, including cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. Within the last decade several pharmacological and technological advances have expanded the treatment options:

• botulinum toxin (Botox) injection
• rhizotomy
• intrathecal baclofen.

The new treatments are complementary rather than competitive, and communication among pediatric specialists is critical to make certain that therapies are implemented in the optimal sequence at the optimal time in the child's development. At St Christopher's Hospital for Children, management of spasticity is a coordinated, multidisciplinary effort that includes the services of the orthopedist, the neurologist, and the neurosurgeon.

For a more complete description of activities and services of the Program, for educational materials concerning the management of spasticity, and for links to organizations of interest, see the Spasticity Management Program in Pediatric Neurosurgery at MCP Hahnemann University.

Appointments: (215) 427-8190

Program Staff

Kim Fudge, PA-C
Coordinator
Office: 215.427.8190

Joseph Melvin, DO
Neurology
Office: 215.427.8335

Peter Pizzutillo, MD, FAAP
Orthopedics
Office: 215.427.3131

Joseph Piatt, MD, FAAP
Neurosurgery
Office: 215.427.5196

Juan (Tony) Realyvasquez, MD, FAAP
Orthopedics
Office: 215.427.3131

Sabrina Yum, MD
Neurology
Office: 215.427.8427