OBJECTIVE To inquire the indications, contraindications, and operative methods of the treatment of spastic cerebral palsy with selective posterior rhizotomy (SPR), and to improve the therapeutic results and decrease the incidence rate of complications. METHODS The documents about SPR were extensively consulted, and the mechanisms, indications, contraindications, operative methods, muscular tension changes and complications after operation were reviewed. RESULTS With the methods of SPR, I alpha fibers of afferent nerve were selectively amputated, reflex circle of spinal cord was locked, and the muscular tension was decreased, so myospasm was removed. The results after operation and incidence rate of complications were closely related to the indications. The therapeutic results were better when the percent of spinal nerve rhizotomy was less than 50%. CONCLUSION It is a good method for the treatment of spastic cerebral palsy.