The effect on ankle dorsiflexion of gastrocnemius recession

Gastrocnemius equinus contracture has been suggested as an etiologic factor in mechanical diseases of the foot and ankle and in ulcer formation in the foot. The purpose of this study is to assess the correction in ankle dorsiflexion that can be achieved with a gastrocnemius recession. An isolated gastrocnemius release (Strayer procedure) was performed on 26 legs, in 20 consecutive patients, for clinically significant gastrocnemius equinus contracture. Ankle dorsiflexion was assessed using a validated electrogoniometer. Ankle dorsiflexion was recorded with the knee straight and with the knee bent. Measurements were recorded preoperatively, and immediately postoperatively. Measurements at an average of 55.0 days postsurgery (range, 37 to 128 days) were performed on 20 legs (15 patients). RESULTS: Average preoperative ankle dorsiflexion with the knee straight was 5.1 degrees. Average preoperative ankle dorsiflexion with the knee bent was 22.8 degrees. Immediately following surgery the average ankle dorsiflexion with the knee straight was 23.2 degrees. The average correction was 18.1 degrees and this increase was significant (p < 0.0001.) In the 15 patients (20 legs) available for follow-up, the increase in ankle dorsiflexion with the knee straight was maintained (average: 24.9 degrees). Patients with gastrocnemius contracture who underwent an isolated gastrocnemius release increased their ankle dorsiflexion (knee straight) by an average of 18.1 degrees with postoperative ankle dorsiflexion (knee straight) being equivalent (23.2 and 22.8 degrees) to preoperative ankle dorsiflexion (knee bent). This correction appears to be maintained (23.2 vs. 24.9 degrees) at short-term follow-up.     

Association of Ankle Dorsiflexion With Plantar Fasciitis

This study aimed to compare the mean ankle dorsiflexion range between individuals with and without plantar fasciitis using passive ankle dorsiflexion with consistent pressure, and to identify the prevalence of an isolated gastrocnemius and gastrocnemius soleus complex contracture in 2 groups. 91 participants were prospectively classified into the plantar fasciitis group (45 subjects) and the control group (46 subjects). Ankle dorsiflexion was measured with the knee extended and with the knee flexed 90° using a standard orthopedic goniometer while a consistent force of 2 kg was applied under the plantar surface of the forefoot using a custom-made scale. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to determine the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the current ankle dorsiflexion measurement. The current ankle dorsiflexion measurement revealed excellent interobserver and intraobserver reliability. The mean ankle dorsiflexion in the knee extended was -9.6° ± 8.1° and -11.2° ± 8.2° in the study and control groups, respectively (p = .353). The mean ankle dorsiflexion in the knee flexed was 7.8° ± 6.5° and 5.1° ± 7.4° in the study and control groups, respectively (p = .068). In the study and control groups, 68.9% and 65.2%, respectively, had an isolated gastrocnemius contracture and 24.4% and 30.4%, respectively, had a gastrocnemius-soleus complex contracture (p = .768). The present study demonstrated that there were no significant differences in passive ankle dorsiflexion and in the prevalence of an isolated gastrocnemius or gastrocnemius soleus complex contracture between individuals with and without plantar fasciitis.     

Macroscopic changes in sural nerve after gastrocnemius recession: a cadaver study

BackgroundGastrocnemius recession is a common foot and ankle procedure and various techniques that have been utilized are mainly delineated by the anatomic position of the gastrocnemius transection; the 2 common ones are the Baumann and Strayer procedure. Both can adversely affect the sural nerve. The objective of this study was to evaluate the macroscopic changes in the sural nerve following gastrocnemius recession, and to compare the efficacy of the two procedures, regarding the improvement of maximal ankle dorsiflexion.MethodsTen fresh-frozen, above knee cadaveric legs were assigned to one of two gastrocnemius recession techniques: Baumann (n = 5) or Strayer (n = 5). A goniometer was used to measure degree of ankle dorsiflexion before and after the surgery. The sural nerve was meticulously dissected and marked with two suture knots, 2 cm apart. The ankle was passively dorsiflexed from 90° to maximal dorsiflexion in 5° degree increments, and the distance between two suture knots was measured at each increment. The distance between the two cut ends of gastrocnemius muscle was measured with the ankle at 90° and at maximal dorsiflexion.ResultsOverall, a mean increase in length between the suture knots on the sural nerve was 0.2 cm, from 90° to maximum ankle dorsiflexion (130°); both the Baumann and Strayer techniques resulted in 0.2 cm increase. The mean improvement in maximal ankle dorsiflexion in the Baumann and Strayer group was 22.6° and 22°, respectively. The mean change in distance between the two cut ends of the gastrocnemius muscle in the Baumann and Strayer group was 1.0 cm and 0.9 cm, respectively.ConclusionIncreased dorsiflexion of the ankle following Strayer or Baumann gastrocnemius recession resulted in similar macroscopic change in the sural nerve, which may contribute to the development of sural neuritis. Further clinical studies are warranted to assess clinical implications of these findings.     

Gastrocnemius recession: A cadaveric study of surgical safety and effectiveness

Background and purpose — Many methods of gastrocnemius lengthening have been described, with different surgical challenges, outcomes, and risks to the sural nerve. Our aims were (1) to locate the gastrocnemius muscular-tendinous junction in relation to the mid-length of the fibula (from here on designated the mid-fibula), (2) to compare the dorsiflexion achieved with dorsal recession or ventral recession, and (3) to determine the risk of injury to the sural nerve during gastrocnemius recession.

Methods — In 10 pairs of fresh-frozen adult cadaveric lower extremities transected above the knee, we measured dorsiflexion, performed dorsal or ventral gastrocnemius recession at the mid-fibula, and then measured the increase in dorsiflexion and fasciotomy gap. We noted the course of the sural nerve and whether the gastrocnemius muscle provided it with enough muscular coverage to protect it during recession.

Results — Dorsal and ventral recession produced statistically (p < 0.05) and clinically significant mean increases in dorsiflexion with extended knee from 12° to 19°, but they were not statistically significantly different from each other in this measure or in fasciotomy gap size. At the mid-fibula, the sural nerve coursed superficially between both heads of the gastrocnemius muscle in 14 of 20 specimens. Sufficient gastrocnemius muscle coverage to protect the sural nerve was provided by the medial head in 18 of 20 specimens and by the lateral head in only 5 of 20 specimens.

Interpretation — A ventral gastrocnemius recession proximal to the mid-fibula level poses less risk to the sural nerve than a recession at the mid-fibula. This procedure provides adequate lengthening (1–3?cm) and increased dorsiflexion (compared with baseline), with less risk to the sural nerve than is incurred with recession at the mid-fibular reference line.     

Isolated recession of the gastrocnemius muscle: the Baumann procedure

BACKGROUND: The Baumann procedure consists of intramuscular lengthening (recession) of the gastrocnemius muscle in the deep interval between the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles. The goal of the procedure is to increase ankle dorsiflexion when ankle movement is restricted by a contracted gastrocnemius muscle. Unlike the Vulpius procedure, the Baumann procedure truly isolates the lengthening site to the gastrocnemius muscle and does not lengthen the soleus muscle. The Baumann procedure has not previously been studied in cadaver specimens. METHODS: The gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of 15 normal cadaver specimens had four sequential releases: a single gastrocnemius recession, a second gastrocnemius recession, a single soleus recession, and an Achilles tenotomy. Ankle dorsiflexion was measured with a goniometer initially, after each muscle recession, and after the tenotomy. RESULTS: After the second gastrocnemius recession, the average increase in ankle dorsiflexion measured 14 degrees with the knee extended and 8 degrees with the knee flexed. CONCLUSIONS: The Baumann procedure treats equinus contracture of the gastrocnemius muscle by improving ankle joint dorsiflexion. The procedure is indicated when the results of the Silfverski?ld test are positive.     

Proximal Ultrasound-Guided Gastrocnemius Recession: A New Ultra-Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique

Selective proximal recession of the medial gastrocnemius head has clear advantages over other approaches and can be performed as a single or combined open procedure for many indications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new technique based on ultrasound-guided ultraminimally invasive proximal gastrocnemius recession. We performed a pilot study with 16 cadavers to ensure that the technique was effective and safe; we then prospectively performed gastrocnemius recession in 12 patients (23 cases) with gastrocnemius contracture associated with other indications. We evaluated pre- and postprocedure dorsiflexion, clinical outcomes (based on the visual analog scale and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scores), and potential complications. We achieved effective release of the proximal medial gastrocnemius tendon in all cases, with no damage to other tissue. Ankle dorsiflexion increased 12° (range 6° to 18°) (p = .05) and was maintained throughout follow-up. The mean preoperative visual analog scale score was 7 (range 5 to 9), which improved to 1 (range 0 to 2) (p = .01). The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Score improved from a mean of 25 (range 20 to 40) to 85 (range 80 to 100) at 6 months and 90 at 12 months (p = .01). No major complications were observed. We considered the technique to be safe and effective for ultrasound-guided ultraminimally invasive proximal-medial gastrocnemius recession using a 1-mm incision in vivo. This novel technique is an alternative to open techniques, with encouraging results and with the potential advantages of reducing pain and obviating lower limb ischemia and deep anesthesia, thus decreasing complications and contraindications and accelerating recovery, although further studies are required.     

Gastrocnemius Recession Leads to Increased Ankle Motion and Improved Patient Satisfaction After 2 Years of Follow-Up

The isolated gastrocnemius contracture present in neurologic healthy patients results in a significant limitation of ankle dorsiflexion causing pathologic gait patterns and a greater risk of further foot disorders. Gastrocnemius recession is an established procedure to increase ankle dorsiflexion. However, little evidence is available of the use of gastrocnemius recession in these patients. Complication rates, recurrence of gastrocnemius contracture, and the prevalence of additional foot disorders needs further evaluation. A study group of 64 operated limbs undergoing gastrocnemius recession was evaluated to determine the prevalence of foot disorders, pre- and postoperative ankle dorsiflexion, and incidence of complications. A subgroup of 15 (23.4%) patients without additional operative procedures was examined regarding ankle dorsiflexion, strength (Janda method), sensitivity in the operated limb, and the pre- and postoperative Foot Function Index scores. The prevalence of foot disorders showed pes planus (41%), hallux valgus (38%), metatarsalgia (19%), hammertoe deformity (13%), and symptomatic Haglund exostosis (11%). At 31 months of follow-up, the patients had significantly benefited from increased ankle dorsiflexion of 13.3° ± 7.9° (p < .001). Postoperatively, 16% patients experienced complications. In the subgroup of 15 patients, the follow-up examination after 44 months showed ankle dorsiflexion of 14° ± 7.1°. The plantarflexion strength was 4 of 5 (Janda method). The Foot Function Index score had improved significantly from 65.4 ± 26.5 points to 33.4 ± 19.5 points (p < .001). Patients with isolated gastrocnemius contracture seem to have a high prevalence of symptomatic foot disorders. At a mid-term follow-up examination, gastrocnemius recession (Strayer) was shown to be an effective procedure to significantly improve ankle dorsiflexion, functionality, and pain symptoms. More attention should be given to the development of postoperative complications.     

The Role of the Plantaris in Intramuscular Gastrocnemius Equinus Correction

Equinus deformity is a common cause of foot and ankle pathology. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the role of the plantaris in equinus. Secondary aims were to describe the role of the plantaris in intramuscular gastrocnemius recession and to determine the prevalence of the plantaris in our patient population. We measured ankle dorsiflexion during the steps of a Baumann-type intramuscular gastrocnemius recession. Eighty-nine patients were enrolled in our study. Fourteen of 89 (15.7%) patients did not have a plantaris. A mean dorsiflexion of 9 (interquartile range 6-12)° was obtained after transection of the plantaris tendon and an additional mean 8 (interquartile range 5-10)° was obtained after recession of the gastrocnemius aponeurosis. There was a strong positive correlation (rs = 0.842) of dorsiflexion increase after plantaris transection and dorsiflexion increase after gastrocnemius recession (p < .00). Linear regression showed that for every one-degree of dorsiflexion increase with plantaris transection, there was a predicted dorsiflexion increase of 0.69° with gastrocnemius recession. These results indicate that the plantaris is a component of equinus deformity.     

Gastrocnemius tightness: A population based observational study

BackgroundGastrocnemius tightness is believed to be associated with multiple musculoskeletal pathologies such as back pain, plantar fasciitis and metatarsalgia. Although surgical treatment of gastrocnemius tightness is gaining popularity the objective definition of a gastrocnemius contracture has not been determined. The aim of our study was therefore to quantify gastrocnemius tightness in a normal population.MethodsAdult participants with no obvious foot and ankle pathology were recruited. Gastrocnemius tightness was quantified using a weightbearing lunge test. Maximal ankle-foot dorsiflexion was measured on participants with the knee in full extension and flexed to 20° using a digital inclinometer. The ankle-foot dorsiflexion index or ADI (difference in ankle dorsiflexion with the knee extended and flexed) was calculated. The ADI values were plotted on a histogram to identify the distribution of values and were compared according to participant demographics.Results800 limbs from 400 participants were examined. There was a wide distribution of absolute values of maximal ankle-foot dorsiflexion ranging from 8 to 52°. The ADI ranged from 0 to19° and approximated to a normal distribution. The mean ADI was 6.04 ± 3.49° and was positively correlated with age (r = 0.132, P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with physical activity (r = ?0.88, P = 0.015).Conclusion(s)Our study is the first to quantify gastrocnemius tightness in a large healthy adult population with differences observed by age and physical activity. We have defined an easy and reproducible weightbearing test that can be used in both research and clinical settings. The majority of the population have some degree of gastrocnemius tightness and values of ADI greater than 13° (>2 SD of the mean), as measured by the lunge test, may be considered abnormal.     

Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession: Preliminary report on 18 cases

A technique of endoscopic gastrocnemius recession was evaluated. Fifteen patients undergoing 18 procedures were prospectively studied with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. There were 9 women and 6 men (mean age, 44.1 +/- 22.6 years). One patient had an isolated recession; the others had various adjunctive flatfoot or reconstructive procedures. Pre- and postoperative ankle dorsiflexion was evaluated, as was the amount of time before patients could perform a single-leg heel raise postoperatively. The mean preoperative ankle dorsiflexion with the knee extended was -8.7 degrees +/- 3.5 degrees , which improved from a mean 14.9 degrees at 3 months postoperatively to a mean 6.2 degrees +/- 2.6 degrees . At 12 months postoperatively, this value was 3.6 degrees +/- 1.8 degrees , a net postoperative improvement of 12.6 degrees (P < .00001). Patients were able to perform a single-leg heel raise on an average of 13.0 +/- 6.0 weeks. Complications were mostly related to lateral foot dysesthesia in the distribution of the sural nerve (N = 3). Furrowing of the medial leg was noted in 1 patient. No hematomas or neuromas associated with the portal sites were found. These results show endoscopic gastrocnemius recession to be an acceptable method of lengthening the gastrocnemius complex.     

Ankle and knee coupling in patients with spastic diplegia: effects of gastrocnemius-soleus lengthening

BACKGROUND: Empirical observations of subjects with an equinus gait have suggested that there is coupled motion between the ankle and knee such that, during single-limb stance, the ankle moves into equinus as the knee extends. Since the gastrocnemius-soleus muscle-tendon unit spans both joints, we hypothesized that this muscle-tendon unit may be responsible for the coupling and that lengthening of the gastrocnemius-soleus muscle alone would result in greater ankle dorsiflexion as well as greater knee extension in single-limb stance, effectively uncoupling these joints. The concept that gastrocnemius-soleus lengthening may promote knee extension is counter to the popular notion that crouch gait may result if the hamstrings are not lengthened concomitantly. METHODS: A retrospective review identified thirty-four subjects with specific kinematic characteristics of equinus gait, and their gait was compared with that of normal children. Of the thirty-four subjects, eleven (twenty-two limbs) subsequently underwent isolated midcalf lengthening of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles with use of a recession technique. Gait analysis including joint kinematics and joint kinetics, electromyography, and physical examination were performed to test the hypothesis. RESULTS: We found that, unlike the normal subjects, the patients with an equinus gait pattern had a positive correlation (r = 0.7) between ankle and knee motion during single-limb stance. As hypothesized, ankle plantar flexion occurred while the knee moved into extension during single-limb stance. Calculations of the lengths of the gastrocnemius-soleus muscle-tendon units showed them to be short throughout the gait cycle (p < 0.0001). After gastrocnemius-soleus recession, peak ankle dorsiflexion (p < 0.001) and peak ankle power (p < 0.001) shifted to occur later in stance than they did in the preoperative gait cycle. Furthermore, the magnitude of peak power increased (p < 0.001) in late stance despite the added length of the gastrocnemius-soleus muscle-tendon unit. The electromyographic amplitude of the gastrocnemius-soleus was reduced during loading (p < 0.02), and this finding, together with the kinetic changes, suggested that muscle tension was reduced. Changes at the knee were less pronounced but included greater knee extension at foot contact (p < 0.01). No increase in the knee flexion angle or extension moment occurred in midstance after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with an equinus gait pattern function with a shortened gastrocnemius-soleus muscle-tendon unit, and this results in coupled motion between the ankle and knee during single-limb stance. Lengthening, with use of a recession technique, shifted ankle power generation and dorsiflexion to a later time in stance with no tendency to increase midstance knee flexion. Knee extension did increase at foot contact, but excessive midstance knee flexion persisted and was likely due to concomitant contracture of the hamstrings.     

Isolated gastrocnemius tightness

BACKGROUND: Contracture of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex has well-documented deleterious effects on lower-limb function in spastic or neurologically impaired individuals. There is scarce literature, however, on the existence of isolated gastrocnemius contracture or its impact in otherwise normal patients. We hypothesized that an inability to dorsiflex the ankle due to equinus contracture leads to increased pain in the forefoot and/or midfoot and therefore a population with such pain will have less maximum ankle dorsiflexion than controls. We further postulated that the difference would be present whether the knee was extended or flexed. METHODS: This investigation was a prospective comparison of maximal ankle dorsiflexion, as a proxy for gastrocnemius tension, in response to a load applied to the undersurface of the foot in two healthy age, weight, and sex-matched groups. The patient group comprised thirty-four consecutive patients with a diagnosis of metatarsalgia or related midfoot and/or forefoot symptoms. The control group consisted of thirty-four individuals without foot or ankle symptoms. The participants were clinically examined for gastrocnemius and soleus contracture and were subsequently assessed for tightness with use of a specially designed electrogoniometer. Measurements were made both with the knee extended (the gastrocnemius under tension) and with the knee flexed (the gastrocnemius relaxed). RESULTS: With the knee fully extended, the average maximal ankle dorsiflexion was 4.5 degrees in the patient group and 13.1 degrees in the control group (p < 0.001). With the knee flexed 90 degrees, the average was 17.9 degrees in the patient group and 22.3 degrees in the control population (p = 0.09). When gastrocnemius contracture was defined as dorsiflexion of < or = 5 degrees during knee extension, it was identified in 65% of the patients compared with 24% of the control population. However, when gastrocnemius contracture was defined as dorsiflexion of < or = 10 degrees, it was present in 88% and 44%, respectively. When gastrocnemius-soleus contracture was defined as dorsiflexion of < or = 10 degrees with the knee in 90 degrees of flexion, it was identified in 29% of the patient group and 15% of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: On the average, patients with forefoot and/or midfoot symptoms had less maximum ankle dorsiflexion with the knee extended than did a control population without foot or ankle symptoms. When the knee was flexed 90 degrees to relax the gastrocnemius, this difference was no longer present. Clinical Relevance: These findings support the existence of isolated gastrocnemius contracture in the development of forefoot and/or midfoot pathology in otherwise healthy people. These data may have implications for preventative and therapeutic care of patients with chronic foot problems.     

Spontaneous rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle

Nineteen ruptures of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muslce are described. These were caused by sudden overstretching of the muscle though concomitant ankle dorsiflexion and knee extension. Surgical exploration in 12 patients verified rupture of the musculotendinous junction. A 2-year follow-up showed that the surgical approach with suture of the muscle gave better results than conservative treatment, especially in the younger and athletic patients.     

Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession: evaluation in a cadaver model

The purpose of this study was to describe a new method of gastrocnemius recession using an endoscopic approach and to determine the accuracy of incision placement during gastrocnemius recession. Fifteen fresh-frozen cadaveric limbs underwent an endoscopic gastrocnemius recession utilizing a two-portal technique. All limbs were anatomically dissected after the procedure and each was examined for injury to the sural nerve. The ability to visualize the sural nerve intraoperatively, improvement in ankle dorsiflexion, time requirement for the procedure, incision size, and appropriateness of placement to facilitate recession were recorded for each specimen. An average of 83% of the gastrocnemius aponeurosis was transected in all 15 cadavers. After modifications of the technique, the final eight cadavers were noted to have had the entire (100%) gastrocnemius aponeurosis transected. Sural nerve injury occurred in one specimen (7%) in which the aponeurosis and the sural nerve were not well visualized. The sural nerve was definitively visualized during the procedure in 5 of 15 specimens (33%). No Achilles tendon injury was noted in any specimen. There was a mean improvement in ankle dorsiflexion of 20 degrees (range, 10 degrees-30 degrees) during full knee extension. The average length of time to perform the procedure was 20 minutes (range, 10-35 minutes). The average medial and lateral incision lengths used in the two-portal technique were 18 mm (range, 14-22 mm) and 17 mm (range, 12-19 mm), respectively, and the average distance from the midpoint of the medial incision to the level of the gastrocnemius-soleus junction was 26 mm (range, 5-60 mm). These results indicate that a complete gastrocnemius aponeurosis transection may be obtained utilizing a modified endoscopic gastrocnemius recession, but visualization of the sural nerve is poor with possible risk of iatrogenic nerve injury.     

Uniportal Endoscopic Gastrocnemius Recession for Treatment of Gastrocnemius Equinus with a Dedicated EGR System with Retractable Blade

This study examined the effectiveness and safety of a uniportal endoscopic gastrocnemius recession with a specifically designed uniportal endoscopic system. Fifty-three patients underwent 60 endoscopic gastrocnemius recessions. Their mean range of ankle dorsiflexion changed from a preoperative value of –2.9° ± 1.9° to a postoperative value of 12.8° ± 1.7°, for a total increase of 15.7° ± 1.8° of ankle dorsiflexion (p < .001). The average time from skin incision to closure was 4 minutes and 19 ± 33.6 seconds. Overall, 4 (6.67%) cases (procedures) were associated with a complication, including 1 (1.67%) case of triceps surae weakness that resolved after physical therapy. Three (5%) cases developed nerve complications, with 2 (3.33%) cases of transient neuritis that spontaneously resolved at 5 and 8 weeks postoperatively, respectively, and 1 (1.67%) that experienced persistent cutaneous anesthesia in the distribution of the sural nerve along the lateral aspect of the foot up to 4 months postoperatively. There were no cases of wound dehiscence or delayed healing, painful scar formation, infection at the surgical site, hematoma, or deep venous thrombosis. Endoscopic gastrocnemius recession with a uniportal system appears to be safe and effective.     

The effect of lengthening the gastrocnemius muscle in chronic therapy resistant plantar fasciitis

BackgroundThe aetiology of chronic therapy resistant plantar fasciitis (CTRPF) is multifactorial with more focus in recent times on the gastroc-soleus complex. This study evaluates the effect of lengthening the gastrocnemius muscle in CTRPF.MethodsAll patients with CRTPF complaints for at least one year underwent the same standard conservative treatment prior to surgery. 32 patients failed this treatment and underwent gastrocnemius recession. Silfverskiöld test, questionnaires and plantar pressure measurements were obtained at 5 visits.ResultsOne year follow up showed a significantly increase in dorsiflexion of the ankle (16 degrees), a decrease in VAS; 78 (SD: 19) to 20 (SD: 24) and significant improved functional scores. Plantar pressure measurements showed an increase of pressure under the medial proximal part of the midfoot and the 1 st metatarsal and a decrease under the hallux.ConclusionsA gastrocnemius recession results in a significant gain in dorsiflexion, altered loading of the foot and good clinical outcome in patients with CTRPF.Level of EvidenceLevel 2     

Surgical Treatment of Gastrocnemius Muscle Ruptures

Rupture of the medial head of the gastrocnemius, known as “tennis leg”, typically occurs when the muscle has been overstretched by dorsiflexion of the ankle with full knee extension. The classic clinical presentation is a middle‐aged person who complains of sports‐related acute pain in the mid portion of the calf, associated with a snapping sensation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound is often required to evaluate patients with this condition. This injury is usually managed non‐operatively, surgical treatment rarely being indicated according to published reports. One case of longstanding and one of recent rupture of the musculotendinous junction of the medial head of the gastrocnemius that were successfully treated by surgical repair are presented here and the MRI characteristics and indications for surgery are discussed.     

Orthotic configuration and its effect on clubfoot: A bench research with modifications of orthotic bar length,dorsiflexion and abduction

PurposeWe determined the effect of changes in abduction orthosis for clubfoot (bar width, dorsiflexion and abduction) on ankle dorsiflexion and foot abduction.MethodsThe study included 31 children with clubfoot. An adjustable Steenbeek foot abduction orthosis permitting variations of bar width [distance between anterior superior iliac spines, shoulders and 'standard'], dorsiflexion (0, 15 and 30°) and abduction (30, 45 and 70°) was used for measurements. Ankle dorsiflexion and foot abduction were measured with and without orthosis and compared using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsFoot abduction was same as orthotic abduction in all configurations. A better ankle dorsiflexion was found with a shorter bar width, larger orthotic dorsiflexion and abduction. Contrarily, the arc increased with a wider bar. A 30° inbuilt orthotic dorsiflexion and 70° abduction produced better foot dynamics.ConclusionsA foot abduction orthosis with modifications of shorter bar length, 30° dorsiflexion and 70° abduction may offer better soft tissue stretch and foot motion in clubfoot.     

Progressive rehabilitation of the sprained ankle: A novel treatment method

ObjectivesThis randomised, single blinded cohort study was designed to assess the immediate effect of manual fascial manipulation on walking pain and the range of ankle dorsiflexion within the first 4 days after ankle trauma.MethodsMeasurements were taken from 19 subjects, 5 female and 14 male, who presented with grade I–III ankle sprains. Ankle dorsiflexion was photographed in a standardised position and calculated by means of the Dartfish® Advanced Video Analysis Software and SPSS® (version 17) was used to compare the pre- and post-treatment data.ResultsAfter one treatment session 13 of the 19 subjects were walking pain free and 3 of the 19 where walking with only little pain. The highly significant (p < 0.001) mean improvement of ankle dorsiflexion was 7.9° (±5.8°). All, apart from one subject, whom were walking pain free after treatment showed a minimum of 4° increased dorsiflexion.ConclusionEarly fascia work around the injured ankle improves ankle dorsiflexion and reduces walking pain. It may reduce the delay of tissue healing and, thus, optimise further rehabilitation of the sprained ankle which may also reduce socio-economic costs.     

Muscular activity and torque of the foot dorsiflexor muscles during decremental isometric test: A cross-sectional study

PurposeTo analyse the torque variation level that could be explained by the muscle activation (EMG) amplitude of the three major foot dorsiflexor muscles (tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), extensor hallucis longus (EHL)) during isometric foot dorsiflexion at different intensities.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, forty-one subjects performed foot dorsiflexion at 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% of maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) with the hip and knee flexed 90° and the ankle in neutral position (90° between leg and foot). Three foot dorsiflexions were performed for each intensity. Outcome variables were: maximum (100% MVC) and relative torque (75%, 50%, 25% MVC), maximum and relative EMG amplitude. A linear regression analysis was calculated for each intensity of the isometric foot dorsiflexion.ResultsThe degree of torque variation (dependent variable) from the independent variables explain (EMG amplitude of the three major foot dorsiflexor muscles) the increases when the foot dorsiflexion intensity is increased, with values of R² that range from 0.194 (during 25% MVC) to 0.753 (during 100% MVC). The reliability of the outcome variables was excellent.ConclusionThe EMG amplitude of the three main foot dorsiflexors exhibited more variance in the dependent variable (torque) when foot dorsiflexion intensity increases.