Cerebral palsy is a static, central nervous system disorder variably manifested by spasticity, dystonia, athetosis, weakness, persistent primitive reflexes, and disordered motor control. When spasticity is the major interfering factor in a child's independent function or daily care, surgical reduction of spasticity can be beneficial. Selective posterior rhizotomy is a neurosurgical procedure designed to decrease spasticity. The history, rationale, patient selection, surgical technique, and postoperative management of selective posterior rhizotomy are reviewed, emphasizing the role of a multidisciplinary approach to facilitate patient evaluation and management.