Joshua was just 2 years old when he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, a lifelong condition that affects a person’s movement and co-ordination.
Joshua then came to Alder Hey to have Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery, performed by our very own Consultant Neurosurgeon Bendetta Pettorini. SDR surgery involves cutting the nerve rootlets in the spinal canal that are sending abnormal signals to the muscles and causing spasticity in the lower limbs, making it easier for people with the condition to walk.
Joshua was recovering in Ward 4A following his surgery and wasn’t feeling very motivated to do his physiotherapy. Joshua is a massive Liverpool fan and, following a visit from Liverpool’s Academy players, he was so inspired that he promised he would get out of bed and do all that he can to walk!
Joshua, who’s from Anfield, enjoys Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), playing on his Nintendo Switch and, of course, watching his beloved Reds.
Mum Unah said; “It’s a bit too early to tell whether the surgery has had an impact on Joshua’s movement, but the speed of his recovery, compared to what I’ve heard from other mums, has been remarkable.”
The care from all of the staff, all of the doctors, nurses and physiotherapists has been amazing, and Joshua now fancies himself as an expert physiotherapist!”
Joshua’s mum Unah
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