Surgical management of the severely multiply handicapped individual.

Thirty-four surgical procedures were performed over a 12-year period on a select population of severely multiply handicapped individuals. Heel cord lengthening, hamstring and adductor releases, as well as selected osteotomies, tenotomies, and arthrodeses (both wrist and foot) were performed. The objectives were improvement in sitting posture, care, and comfort. Independent evaluations of active function, passive function, cosmesis, self-esteem, limb posture, and ease of dressing and hygiene were assessed. Significant improvement was generally noted. No patient was made worse. Selected procedures in the severely multiply handicapped individual have a definite place in patient management.