The Baumann procedure for fixed contracture of the gastrosoleus in cerebral palsy. Evaluation of function of the ankle after multilevel surgery.
(1/29)
We treated 22 children (28 limbs) with diplegic cerebral palsy who were able to walk by the Baumann procedure for correction of fixed contracture of the gastrosoleus as part of multilevel single-stage surgery to improve gait. The function of the ankle was assessed by clinical examination and gait analysis before and at two years (2.1 to 4.0) after operation. At follow-up the ankle showed an increase in dorsiflexion at initial contact, in single stance and in the swing phase. There was an increase in dorsiflexion at initial push-off without a decrease in the range of movement of the ankle, and a significant improvement in the maximum flexor moment in the ankle in the second half of single stance. There was also a change from abnormal generation of energy in mid-stance to the normal pattern of energy absorption. Positive work during push-off was significantly increased. Lengthening of the gastrocnemius fascia by the Baumann procedure improved the function of the ankle significantly, and did not result in weakening of the triceps surae. We discuss the anatomical and mechanical merits of the procedure. (+info)
Toe-walking in children younger than six years with cerebral palsy. The contribution of serial corrective casts.
(2/29)
Our aim in this retrospective study was to analyse the value of serial corrective casts in the management of toe-walking in children aged less than six years with cerebral palsy. A total of 20 children (10 hemiplegic and 10 diplegic) had elongation of the triceps surae by serial casting at a mean age of four years and one month. The mean passive dorsiflexion of the foot with the knee in extension was 3 degrees (-10 to +5) and 12 degrees (0 to +15) with the knee in flexion. After removal of the cast passive dorsiflexion was 20 degrees (+10 to +30) with the knee in extension, and 28 (+10 to +35) with the knee in flexion. At a mean follow-up of 3.08 years (2.08 to 4.92), passive dorsiflexion was 9 degrees (-10 to +20) with the knee in extension and 18 degrees (0 to +30) with the knee in flexion. Serial corrective casts are useful for the treatment of equinus in young children as the procedure is simple and the results are at least equal to those of other non-operative techniques. It is a safe alternative to surgical procedures especially in young children. If the equinus recurs operation can be undertaken on a tendon which is not scarred. (+info)
Long term course of the H reflex after selective tibial neurotomy.
(3/29)
OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the long term clinical and electrophysiological outcome by recording the H reflex in a consecutive series of six patients treated by selective tibial neurotomy for spastic equinus foot. METHOD: The amplitudes of Hmax reflexes, Mmax responses, and Hmax:Mmax ratio were recorded in six patients with chronic lower limb spasticity, before and after surgery, at day 1 and 8 months and 24 months after selective tibial neurotomy. The passive range of movement, the stretch reflex score according to the Tardieu scale, the osteoarticular and tendon repercussions, and the quality of motor control of dorsiflexion were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: At the end of the study, all patients presented a reduction of equines. Gait and Tardieu's score of spasticity had improved in all patients. Active dorsiflexion of the ankle was unchanged in four patients, but two improved by 5 degrees to 12 degrees. In five cases, fascicular resection of the superior nerve to soleus was, alone, sufficient to reduce spastic equinus foot, without recurrence, for a mean follow up of 28 months. Two patients were reoperated on, one for remaining spasticity related to an underestimated spasticity of the gastrocnemius muscles, and the other for painful claw toes. Hmax, Mmax, and Hmax:Mmax ratios were significantly lower the day after surgery. The reduction of Hmax and Hmax/Mmax ratio remained stable over time and was still statistically significant two years after the operation. However, the value of Mmax eight months postoperatively was no longer significantly different from the preoperative value. CONCLUSION: This study shows the long term efficacy of the selective tibial neurotomy as treatment of spastic equinus foot. Neurotomy confined to fibres supplying the soleus muscle is sufficient in most cases and acts by decreasing sensory afferents without significant long term motor denervation. (+info)
Assessment of an electronic goniometer designed to measure equinus contracture.
(4/29)
To achieve more objective and repeatable measurements of equinus contracture, we developed the equinometer, a device that allows the measurement of ankle range of motion under controlled torque conditions. This study assessed its accuracy across different subjects and examiners. Two examiners used the equinometer to measure the angle of ankle dorsiflexion at 15 N x m torque on five subjects. Accounting for variation in measurements because of subjects, examiners, and placement of device, we used linear mixed-effects models. Accounting for the variation because of subject, different placements of the equinometer within each subject and the adjustment for the effects of examiner and trial sequence, the standard deviation was 0.94 degrees, 95% confidence interval (0.79 degrees, 1.13 degrees). An upper standard deviation of 1.36 degrees is felt to be acceptable for clinical investigation. (+info)
Extra-articular subtalar arthrodesis. A long-term follow-up in patients with cerebral palsy.
(5/29)
Of 23 children (35 feet) with cerebral palsy who had undergone a Grice extra-articular subtalar arthrodesis for a valgus hindfoot between 1976 and 1981, we reviewed 17 (26 feet), at a mean of 20 years (17 years 3 months to 22 years 4 months) after operation. Seven were quadriplegic, eight spastic diplegic, and two hemiplegic. They were all able to walk at the time of operation. Thirteen patients (20 feet) were pleased with the Grice procedure, 13 had no pain and 15 (23 feet) were still able to walk. The clinical results were satisfactory for most feet. Radiography showed that the results had been maintained over time but 14 feet developed a mean ankle valgus of 11 degrees (6 to 18) with a compensatory hindfoot varus in 12 feet. No deformity of the talus or arthritis of adjacent joints was noted. The Grice procedure gives good long-term results in children with cerebral palsy. (+info)
An equinus deformity of the ankle accounts for only a small amount of the increased forefoot plantar pressure in patients with diabetes.
(6/29)
Patients with diabetes mellitus may develop plantar flexion contractures (equinus) which may increase forefoot pressure during walking. In order to determine the relationship between equinus and forefoot pressure, we measured forefoot pressure during walking in 27 adult diabetics with a mean age of 66.3 years (sd 7.4) and a mean duration of the condition of 13.4 years (sd 12.6) using an Emed mat. Maximum dorsiflexion of the ankle was determined using a custom device which an examiner used to apply a dorsiflexing torque of 10 Nm (sd 1) for five seconds. Simple linear regression showed that the relationship between equinus and peak forefoot pressure was significant (p < 0.0471), but that only a small portion of the variance was accounted for (R(2) = 0.149). This indicates that equinus has only a limited role in causing high forefoot pressure. Our findings suggest caution in undertaking of tendon-lengthening procedures to reduce peak forefoot plantar pressures in diabetic subjects until clearer indications are established. (+info)
Medium-term follow-up of Achilles tendon lengthening in the treatment of ankle equinus in cerebral palsy.
(7/29)
INTRODUCTION: The optimal treatment for equinus of the ankle in ambulatory patients with cerebral palsy is not known. This study assessed the medium term follow-up results of treatment of spastic ankle equinus deformity in cerebral palsy using Hoke or coronal Z-lengthening of the Achilles tendon. It was hypothesized that the use of Achilles tendon lengthening (TAL) as a treatment for spastic ankle equinus during gait results in a high rate of over-weakening of the triceps surae resulting in crouch gait. We also investigated patient characteristics that could identify which patients are at risk for crouch gait due to triceps surae weakening from Achilles tendon lengthening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-nine patients (114 procedures) who had undergone Achilles lengthening were retrospectively reviewed to determine how many patients developed crouch gait with dorsiflexion of the ankle throughout stance phase requiring anterior-floor-reaction bracing. The following patient characteristics were evaluated: age at surgery, geographic type of cerebral palsy, length of follow-up, need for anterior-floor-reaction bracing, length of time after surgery when brace was prescribed, age at time of need for bracing, side of surgery, technique used, additional procedures performed at time of TAL, previous or later procedures performed, and walking ability. RESULTS: The average age at the time of TAL was 7 years and 3 months, and the average follow-up was seven years. The geographic type of cerebral palsy greatly affected the outcome. None of the twenty-three hemiplegic patients required bracing. Fourteen of 34 (41%) patients with spastic diplegia and seven of fourteen (50%) patients with spastic quadriplegia required bracing. There was no significant difference in outcome between the Hoke and the Z-lengthening procedures. Patients who underwent more procedures and bilateral procedures were more likely to require anterior-floor-reaction bracing. CONCLUSIONS: Achilles tendon lengthening as practiced by the senior author results in a high rate of over weakening of the triceps surae as defined by the need for a floor reaction brace. Results are best in patients with hemiplegia and non-hemiplegic patients who require only single leg surgery, and who do not require concomitant or subsequent surgery. Alternative treatment, such as gastrocnemius fascial lengthening, or non-surgical treatment may be the optimal treatment of ambulatory patients with spastic diplegia and quadriplegia who have spastic ankle equinus during gait. (+info)
Does fascicular neurotomy have long-lasting effects?
(8/29)
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether fascicular neurotomy has long-lasting effects on spasticity. DESIGN: We present 4 clinical cases and a critical analysis of the literature. PATIENTS: This is a retrospective study on 4 patients referred to our department for spastic equinovarus foot deformity. For all 4, neurotomy was successful not long after surgery, but spasticity reappeared after a few months. METHODS: We compared our results with those in the PubMed database. RESULTS: Most publications acknowledge the immediate effectiveness of this surgery, but do not study the long-term effects of neurotomy. No publication proved long-lasting effects of neurotomy for spastic equinovarus foot deformity. The only long-term follow-up with a sufficient population is the one of Berard et al. who reported 61% recurrence. CONCLUSION: There is no study showing that tibial nerve neurotomy has long-lasting effects. The 4 cases reported are an illustration that recurrence of spasticity may occur after neurotomy. These findings have to be taken into account for treatment decision-making and for provision of information to patients. (+info)