For adults with cerebral palsy (CP), spinal issues such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and degenerative changes often emerge earlier and more severely than in the general population. Limited mobility, abnormal muscle tone, and uneven wear on the spine can accelerate the need for surgical intervention. But when spine surgery becomes necessary, precision is everything.
That’s why efforts to eliminate surgical errors—especially wrong-site surgeries—are vital. The Mayo Clinic’s neurosurgical team has developed ironclad protocols to protect patients from devastating surgical mistakes, such as operating on the wrong spinal level or side. These include:
- Multiple checkpoint verification
- Multidisciplinary surgical timeouts
- Intraoperative imaging
For adults with CP, who may have atypical spinal anatomy or prior surgeries that obscure imaging, these safeguards are not just best practices—they’re essential.
Spinal surgery can be life-changing for adults with CP when done correctly and carefully. We urge all medical professionals to use validated processes like those at Mayo Clinic, especially when operating on patients with complex needs.
Are you an adult with CP considering spine surgery?
- Talk to your provider about what safety measures are in place.
- Ask questions.
- Demand precision.
You deserve nothing less.
