Neuromuscular Foot: Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Foot and ankle deformities in cerebral palsy can be effectively treated with surgery. Surgery should be considered in patients with significant deformity and those who have pain or difficulty with orthotic and shoe wear. Equinus contracture of both gastrocnemius and soleus can be treated with open tendoachilles lengthening; ankle valgus with medial epiphysiodesis. Equinovarus is more commonly seen in hemiplegic patients and this deformity can usually be treated with tendon transfers. Triple arthrodesis is an option in children with severe degenerative changes. It is important to address all aspects of the child's pathology at the time of surgical correction.

Keywords: Calcaneal lengthening; Cerebral palsy; Equinovarus foot; Pes planovalgus; Subtalar fusion.