Treatment for idiopathic toe-walking: results at skeletal maturity

Thirteen skeletally mature subjects who had been treated as children for idiopathic toe-walking underwent gait analysis and calf muscle strength testing at an average of 10.8 years from the last intervention. Six had had serial casting only; seven had had either a percutaneous tendo Achilles lengthening or a Baker's gastroc-soleus lengthening. Sagittal plane kinematics at the ankle was altered in 12 of the 13 subjects, but the changes were detectable visually in only 3 subjects. One subject had increased ankle plantarflexion at initial contact, but the other 12 subjects had a normal first rocker. Peak ankle dorsiflexion in stance averaged only 9 degrees, and 11 of the subjects had a peak ankle dorsiflexion in stance greater than 2 standard deviations below normative values. Ankle dorsiflexion was also restricted on passive measures, but there was no correlation between ankle dorsiflexion non-weight-bearing and in gait. Inversion of second rocker was seen in two subjects with peak ankle dorsiflexion in stance occurring before 25% of the gait cycle. Power generation by the calf during a single heel-rise test was variable between subjects but within normative values compared with controls. The authors conclude that most subjects showed persistent changes in ankle kinematics and kinetics despite treatment but that this was not detectable visually in most subjects.     

The long-term outcome of tendon lengthening for chronic Achilles tendon pain

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term results of tendon lengthening surgery for the treatment of chronic Achilles tendon pain. METHODS: The results of 21 procedures in 18 patients were assessed. Each patient had an open Z-plasty to lengthen the Achilles tendon by 1 cm. RESULTS: Results showed a long-term (7.5 years) reduction in visual analogue pain scores for sporting activity in 20 of 21 procedures (median 50 point reduction, p < 0.0005). The tendon lengthening was apparent in a mean increase in dorsiflexion of 5 degrees. Two patients had minor gait abnormalities postoperatively. One patient had a reduction in plantarflexion power on the operated side, but five patients had improved power compared to the nonoperated limb. One major and five minor surgical complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: The retrospective nature of this study must be noted in drawing conclusions. However, the results suggest excellent long-term reduction of Achilles pain after tendon lengthening. This must be weighed against a relatively high complication rate for any procedure in this region. This treatment does not appear to cause long-term deficits in plantarflexion power or gait.     

Achilles tendon lengthening for ankle equinus deformity in hemophiliacs: 23 patients followed for 1-24 years

BACKGROUND: Bleeding in the calf or ankle joint may lead to ankle equinus deformity, particularly in childhood and during adolescence. We assessed the long-term functional and radiographic results after Achilles tendon lengthening for ankle equinus deformity in hemophiliacs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1975 and 1986, 30 hemophilic patients with pes equinus were surgically managed by Achilles tendon lengthening. Of these, 23 were followed up prospectively twice a year for an average of 13 (1-24) years. The mean age at operation was 29 (12-46) years. The clinical results were documented according to the score of the Advisory Committee of the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH), while radio-graphs were evaluated using the Pettersson score. On average, preoperative ankle equinus deformity was 21 (5-55) degrees. Mean range of motion was 21 (5-42) degrees prior to surgery. RESULTS: At the first postoperative examination 1 year after surgery, 21/23 cases were improved, and 9/21 reached dorsiflexion to at least neutral position. At the last follow-up, ankle equinus deformity was 10 (4-20) degrees on average. 20/23 patients still showed significant improvement compared to their condition before surgery. 7 patients still had complete correction of the equinus deformity, while mean range of motion decreased constantly over the observation period. The clinical score was significantly improved 1 year after surgery and diminished only slightly afterwards. Radio-graphic outcome deteriorated, with scores rising from 4.3 (1-10) points preoperatively to 7.3 (3-12) points at last follow-up. INTERPRETATION: Most patients treated for hemophilic pes equinus by Achilles tendon lengthening experienced long-term benefit concerning the equinus deformity, but gradually lost overall movement of the ankle joint. Progression of the ankle arthropathy cannot be hindered.     

Kinematic and kinetic outcomes after identical multilevel soft tissue surgery in children with cerebral palsy

This study evaluates the outcomes of multilevel soft tissue surgery in 31 ambulatory children (n = 39 sides) with cerebral palsy. All children had undergone rectus femoris transfer, hamstring lengthening, and gastrosoleus lengthening for the purpose of correcting sagittal plane abnormalities. There were no simultaneous bony surgeries. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation consisted of clinical assessment and gait analysis, including 3-dimensional kinematics and kinetics. Results demonstrated improvements in knee and ankle function. At the knee, there was a decrease in mean flexion at initial contact (from 31 degrees [SD, +/-8 degrees] to 21 degrees [SD, +/-10 degrees]) and in stance (mean stance, 22 degrees [SD, +/-12 degrees] to 16 degrees [SD, +/-11 degrees]) associated with a decreased mean internal extensor moment in stance (from 0.09 Nm/kg [SD, +/-0.24 Nm/kg] to -0.03 [SD, +/-0.22 Nm/kg]). At the same time, knee flexion was preserved in swing and occurred earlier. At the ankle, mean dorsiflexion improved at the time of examination (from 8 degrees [SD, +/-9 degrees] to 14 degrees [SD, +/-11 degrees] with the knee in extension), in terminal stance (peak from 7 degrees [SD, +/-9 degrees] to 12 degrees [SD, +/-8 degrees]), and in swing. Peak ankle power generation in stance was preserved and shifted later in stance toward push-off, with no functional weakening of the ankle plantar flexors. A longer-term assessment of a subset of patients with a second postoperative gait analysis at a mean of 4 years after surgery showed that gains measured at 1 year were maintained during the longer term. A subgroup demonstrating a jump knee gait pattern (as defined by excessive knee flexion at initial contact followed by rapid knee extension to full knee extension in midstance) had a tendency to go into knee hyperextension in stance with resultant net knee flexor moment after surgery. This raises concern about the indications for hamstring lengthening in this patient group.     

Kinematic and kinetic evaluation of the ankle joint before and after tendo achilles lengthening in patients with spastic diplegia

Fourteen patients, at a mean age of 9.1 years (range 4.1-16.6 years), who had spastic diplegic cerebral palsy were evaluated before and after tendo Achilles lengthening (TAL). Follow-up (by gait analysis) after TAL ranged from 8 to 30 months. A Vicon motion analysis system with six CCD cameras and two AMTI force plates provided three-dimensional measurements of joint motion and moments. The TAL procedure resulted in normal passive dorsiflexion of the ankle joint with the knee at 0 degrees of extension and 90 degrees of flexion, reduced plantarflexion during swing phase, and reduced premature plantarflexor moment. However, 10 degrees greater than normal dorsiflexion of the ankle joint during mid-stance phase was indicative of a mild calcaneal gait pattern. The TAL procedure improved lower extremity function as documented by both kinematic and kinetic analysis in cerebral palsy.     

Surgical treatment of knee dysfunction in cerebral palsy

The prerequisites for normal gait are: (1) stability in the stance phase of gait, (2) clearance of the foot in the swing phase, (3) proper foot preposition in swing, and (4) an adequate step length. In the stance phase, the knee provides shock absorption and energy conservation; in the swing phase, it allows foot clearance. To accomplish these functions, the knee must extend fully in stance and flex approximately 60 degrees in swing. Consequently, balanced muscle action at the hip, knee, and ankle joints, combined with adequate acceleration from the hip flexor and triceps surae muscles, is essential. In the crouch gait of spastic cerebral palsy, hamstring lengthening alone often converts the flexed-knee gait to an extended-knee, stiff-legged gait with inadequate swing-phase knee flexion. This unwanted conversion is due to cospasticity of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles. Restoration of normal knee function in patients with spastic paralysis is more successful when fractional hamstring lengthening is combined with a transfer of the distal rectus femoris tendon to either the iliotibial band or the distal tendon of the semitendinosus.     

Achilles tendon lengthening for ankle equinus deformity in hemophiliacs: 23 patients followed for 1–24 years

Background?Bleeding in the calf or ankle joint may lead to ankle equinus deformity, particularly in childhood and during adolescence. We assessed the long-term functional and radiographic results after Achilles tendon lengthening for ankle equinus deformity in hemophiliacs.

Patients and methods?Between 1975 and 1986, 30 hemophilic patients with pes equinus were surgically managed by Achilles tendon lengthening. Of these, 23 were followed up prospectively twice a year for an average of 13 (1–24) years. The mean age at operation was 29 (12–46) years. The clinical results were documented according to the score of the Advisory Committee of the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH), while radio-graphs were evaluated using the Pettersson score. On average, preoperative ankle equinus deformity was 21 (5–55) degrees. Mean range of motion was 21 (5–42) degrees prior to surgery.

Results?At the first postoperative examination 1 year after surgery, 21/23 cases were improved, and 9/21 reached dorsiflexion to at least neutral position. At the last follow-up, ankle equinus deformity was 10 (4–20) degrees on average. 20/23 patients still showed significant improvement compared to their condition before surgery. 7 patients still had complete correction of the equinus deformity, while mean range of motion decreased constantly over the observation period. The clinical score was significantly improved 1 year after surgery and diminished only slightly afterwards. Radio-graphic outcome deteriorated, with scores rising from 4.3 (1–10) points preoperatively to 7.3 (3–12) points at last follow-up.

Interpretation?Most patients treated for hemophilic pes equinus by Achilles tendon lengthening experienced long-term benefit concerning the equinus deformity, but gradually lost overall movement of the ankle joint. Progression of the ankle arthropathy cannot be hindered.??     

The effect of achilles tendon lengthening on ankle dorsiflexion: a cadaver study

BACKGROUND: Tendon lengthening is an important cause of morbidity after Achilles tendon rupture. However, direct measurement of the tendon length is difficult. Ankle dorsiflexion has, therefore, been used as a surrogate measure on the assumption that it is the Achilles tendon that limits this movement. The aim of this investigation was to assess the relationship between Achilles tendon length and ankle dorsiflexion. The primary question was whether or not the Achilles tendon is the structure that limits ankle dorsiflexion. The secondary purpose was to quantify the relationship between Achilles tendon lengthening and dorsiflexion at the ankle joint. METHODS: Five cadaver specimens were dissected to expose the tendons and capsular tissue of the leg and hindfoot. Fixed bony reference points were used as markers for the measurements. In the first specimen, the Achilles tendon was intact and the other structures that may limit ankle dorsiflexion were sequentially divided. In the other specimens the Achilles tendon was lengthened by 1 cm intervals and the effect upon ankle dorsiflexion movement was recorded. RESULTS: Division of the other tendons and the capsular tissue around the ankle joint did not affect the range of ankle dorsiflexion. When the Achilles was divided the foot could be dorsiflexed until the talar neck impinged upon the anterior aspect of the distal tibia. There was a mean increase of 12 degrees of dorsiflexion for each centimeter increase in tendon length. CONCLUSION: The Achilles tendon is the anatomical structure that limits ankle dorsiflexion, even when the tendon is lengthened. There was a linear relationship between the length of the Achilles tendon and the range of ankle dorsiflexion in this cadaver model. Ankle dorsiflexion would appear to be a clinically useful indicator of tendon length.     

Calcaneus gait following treatment for clubfoot: preliminary results of surgical correction

Calcaneus gait is a known complication of surgical treatment of clubfoot, and is characterized by weak triceps surae strength combined with limited ankle plantarflexion at terminal stance, preventing adequate power generation. We evaluated the results of attempted reconstruction of this functional disturbance in 13 symptomatic patients (17 feet) using kinematic and kinetic analysis at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. Three types of procedures were performed: group 1 (n=7) received calcaneal osteotomy alone; group 2 (n=6) received calcaneal osteotomy or hindfoot fusion combined with tendon transfers to the heel; and group 3 (n=4) received tendon transfers only. Kinematic results showed that none of the procedures was effective in increasing plantarflexion at toe-off. Kinetic analysis showed that plantarflexion power of group 1 and 2 feet actually worsened following surgery, while in group 3 there was mild improvement. Patients in group 3 were 5 years younger on average than those in groups 1 and 2, suggesting that if any objective benefit from surgery is to be gained, reconstruction should be performed prior to age 6 years. We conclude that calcaneus gait as a complication of clubfoot surgery is far better avoided than salvaged by attempted reconstruction, which in this series was ineffective.     

Adult-onset hemiplegia: changes in gait after muscle-balancing procedures to correct the equinus deformity

Fifty-four adult patients with acquired spastic equinus and equinovarus deformity were treated with lengthening of the Achilles tendon, lateral transfer of the anterior tibial tendon, and appropriate muscle releases. All patients had preoperative dynamic electromyography and electrogoniometry performed in order to assist in planning the surgical procedures and to provide a baseline assessment of the dynamic deformities. Preoperatively, the stance and double-support phases of gait were prolonged. Throughout the stance phase, the gait of these patients was characterized by equinus deformity of the ankle, decreased flexion of the knee (hyperextension in the most severely involved patients), and increased flexion of the hip (which also varied with the severity of the equinus deformity of the ankle and hyperextension of the knee). In all patients, the operation was performed at least one year after onset of the hemiplegia. Clinical follow-up at an average of thirty months (range, twenty-four to sixty-two months) showed that the equinus deformity was corrected in all patients and that 59 per cent of them were brace-free. Two patients had a superficial infection that healed uneventfully, and two had pull-out of the tendon that required reoperation. Postoperative analyses of gait, performed at least one year after surgery for twenty-seven of the patients, showed that the stance and double-support phases of gait (which had been prolonged before surgery) approached the findings in normal control subjects.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Tensile engagement of the peri-ankle ligaments in stance phase

BACKGROUND: Development of reconstructive operative procedures to restore normal ankle kinematics after injury requires an understanding of the biomechanics of the ankle during gait. The contribution of the peri-ankle ligaments to ankle motion control is not yet well understood. Knowledge of the tensile engagement of the peri-ankle ligaments during stance phase is necessary to achieve physiologic motion patterns. METHODS: Eleven fresh-frozen cadaver ankles were subjected to a dynamic loading sequence simulating the stance phase of normal level gait. Simultaneously, ligament strain was continuously monitored in the anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular, and posterior talofibular ligaments, as well as in the anterior, middle, and posterior superficial deltoid ligaments. Eight of these specimens underwent further quasi-static range-of-motion testing, where ligament tension recruitment was assessed at 30 degrees plantarflexion and 30 degrees dorsiflexion. RESULTS: In the dynamic loading tests, none of the ligaments monitored showed a reproducible strain pattern indicating a role in ankle stabilization. However, in the extended range-of-motion tests, most ligaments were taut in plantarflexion or dorsiflexion. CONCLUSIONS: A consistent combination of individual ligament strain patterns that principally control ankle motion was not identified; none of the ligaments studied were reproducibly recruited to be a primary stabilizing structure. The peri-ankle ligaments are likely to be secondary restraining structures that serve to resist motion to avoid extreme positions. Stance phase ankle motion appears to be primarily controlled by articular congruity, not by peri-ankle ligament tension.     

Investigating the Effects of Knee Flexion during the Eccentric Heel-Drop Exercise

This study aimed to characterise the biomechanics of the widely practiced eccentric heel-drop exercises used in the management of Achilles tendinosis. Specifically, the aim was to quantify changes in lower limb kinematics, muscle lengths and Achilles tendon force, when performing the exercise with a flexed knee instead of an extended knee. A musculoskeletal modelling approach was used to quantify any differences between these versions of the eccentric heel drop exercises used to treat Achilles tendinosis. 19 healthy volunteers provided a group from which optical motion, forceplate and plantar pressure data were recorded while performing both the extended and flexed knee eccentric heel-drop exercises over a wooden step when barefoot or wearing running shoes. This data was used as inputs into a scaled musculoskeletal model of the lower limb. Range of ankle motion was unaffected by knee flexion. However, knee flexion was found to significantly affect lower limb kinematics, inter-segmental loads and triceps muscle lengths. Peak Achilles load was not influenced despite significantly reduced peak ankle plantarflexion moments (p < 0.001). The combination of reduced triceps lengths and greater ankle dorsiflexion, coupled with reduced ankle plantarflexion moments were used to provide a basis for previously unexplained observations regarding the effect of knee flexion on the relative loading of the triceps muscles during the eccentric heel drop exercises. This finding questions the role of the flexed knee heel drop exercise when specifically treating Achilles tendinosis.

Key points

• A more dorsiflexed ankle and a flexing knee are characteristics of performing the flexed knee heel-drop eccentric exercise.
• Peak ankle plantarflexion moments were reduced with knee flexion, but did not reduce peak Achilles tendon force.
• Kinematic changes at the knee and ankle affected the triceps muscle length and resulted in a reduction in the amount of Achilles tendon work performed.
• A version of the heel-drop exercise which reduces the muscle length change will also reduce the amount of tendon stretch, reducing the clinical efficacy of the exercise.

Key words: Achilles, tendinosis, tendinopathy, rehabilitation     

Change in plantarflexion strength after complete detachment and reconstruction of the Achilles tendon

BACKGROUND: Chronic insertional tendinitis of the Achilles tendon is an overuse injury seen with increasing frequency because of an aging population and an increased interest in sports. We evaluated the change in plantarflexion strength in patients after our surgical technique for chronic insertional Achilles tendinitis. METHODS: From our previous clinical series of detachment and reconstruction of the Achilles tendon for the treatment of insertional tendinitis, ten patients were evaluated with an average followup of 32.1 (range 18 to 52) months. The average age was 65.7 years. We developed a mathematical model to predict the difference in plantarflexion strength between a reconstructed ankle and a healthy contralateral one. Isokinetic testing at 60 degrees/second was performed, measuring plantarflexion peak torque, dorsiflexion peak torque, and total work. RESULTS: Our mathematical model predicted a decrease of 4% in plantarflexion torque after the surgery. Isokinetic testing found no significant differences in plantarflexion torque, dorsiflexion torque, or total work between the operated and nonoperated ankles. CONCLUSIONS: Complete detachment and reconstruction of the Achilles tendon do not decrease the working capacity of the gastrocsoleus muscle.     

Posterior tibial tendon transfer and tendo-Achilles lengthening for equinovarus foot deformity due to severe crush injury

Surgical correction was performed on nine patients who had equinovarus deformity caused by severe crush injury of the leg sustained in an earthquake. The operative procedure used involved the transfer of the posterior tibial tendon to the dorsum of the foot by passing it through the interosseous membrane using a modified procedure as published in 1978. This procedure was combined with percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening and tenotomy of toe flexors when needed. The average follow-up time after the operation was 21 months. The treatment improved the heel-toe steppage gait in all patients and all were able to walk in standard shoes. There were no complications in the postoperative period. Recurrence of varus deformity was not seen in any of the patients. They had active dorsiflexion of the foot, with a median active dorsiflexion of 5 degrees (0 to 10 degrees) and median active plantarflexion of 16.1 degrees (10 to 25 degrees) compared to the median active dorsiflexion and plantarflexion on the uninvolved side. The total range-of-motion was 21.1 degrees (10 to 35 degrees).     

High recurrence after calf lengthening with the Ilizarov apparatus for treatment of spastic equinus foot deformity

Both gastrocnemius recession and Achilles tendon lengthening lead to scarring in the calf and have high reported recurrence rates when performed under the age of 8 years. Triceps surae lengthening by external fixation seemed to be a valuable alternative. Twelve calf lengthenings have been performed with an Ilizarov device with a mean correction of 27 degrees. No calcaneal gait was observed, but there was a slow continuous loss of dorsiflexion over the observation period. The Ilizarov technique has a higher recurrence rate than most operative procedures for calf lengthening, but carries virtually no risk in producing calcaneus. The technique cannot be recommended for routine clinical use and may only be an alternative for selected cases.     

The Baumann procedure for fixed contracture of the gastrosoleus in cerebral palsy. Evaluation of function of the ankle after multilevel surgery

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.     

Effect of Achilles tendon lengthening on neuropathic plantar ulcers. A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Limited ankle dorsiflexion has been implicated as a contributing factor to plantar ulceration of the forefoot in diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes for patients with diabetes mellitus and a neuropathic plantar ulcer treated with a total-contact cast with and without an Achilles tendon lengthening. Our primary hypothesis was that the Achilles tendon lengthening would lead to a lower rate of ulcer recurrence. Methods: Sixty-four subjects were randomized into two treatment groups, immobilization in a total-contact cast alone or combined with percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening, with measurements made before and after treatment, at the seven-month follow-up examination, and at the final follow-up evaluation (a mean [and standard deviation] of 2.1 +/- 0.7 years after initial healing). There were thirty-three subjects in the total-contact cast group and thirty-one subjects in the Achilles tendon lengthening group. There were no significant differences in age, body-mass index, or duration of diabetes between the groups. Outcome measures were time to healing of the ulcer, ulcer recurrence rate, range of dorsiflexion of the ankle, peak torque (strength) of the plantar flexor muscles, and peak plantar pressures on the forefoot. RESULTS: Twenty-nine (88%) of thirty-three ulcers in the total-contact cast group and all thirty ulcers (100%) in the Achilles tendon lengthening group healed after a mean duration (and standard deviation) of 41 +/- 28 days and 58 +/- 47 days, respectively (p > 0.05). (One patient in the Achilles tendon lengthening group died before treatment was completed.) In the first seven months of follow-up, sixteen (59%) of the twenty-seven patients in the total-contact cast group who were available for follow-up and four (15%) of the twenty-seven patients in the Achilles tendon lengthening group who were available for follow-up had an ulcer recurrence (p = 0.001). At the time of the two-year follow-up, twenty-one (81%) of the twenty-six patients in the total-contact cast group and ten (38%) of the twenty-six patients in the Achilles tendon lengthening group had ulcer recurrence (p = 0.002). Compared with the group treated with the total-contact cast, the group treated with Achilles tendon lengthening had increased dorsiflexion and it remained increased at seven months (p < 0.001). Plantar flexor peak torque also decreased after Achilles tendon lengthening (p < 0.004), but it returned to baseline after seven months. Peak plantar pressures on the forefoot during barefoot walking were reduced (p < 0.0002) following Achilles tendon lengthening yet returned to baseline values within seven months after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: All ulcers healed in the Achilles tendon lengthening group, and the risk for ulcer recurrence was 75% less at seven months and 52% less at two years than that in the total-contact cast group. Achilles tendon lengthening should be considered an effective strategy to reduce recurrence of neuropathic ulceration of the plantar aspect of the forefoot in patients with diabetes mellitus and limited ankle dorsiflexion (相似文献   

A Minimally Invasive “Overwrapping” Technique for Repairing Neglected Ruptures of the Achilles Tendon

About 10% to 25% of acute ruptures of the Achilles tendon go undiagnosed for some time beyond what would be optimal for repair and a return to optimal function. Managing these chronic or neglected ruptures is a surgical challenge, because the tendon ends retract and atrophy and could develop a short, fibrous distal stump. In the present report, a patient with a ruptured right Achilles tendon, neglected for approximately 10 years, is described. The chronically injured tendon was successfully treated by overwrapping the interposed scar at the rupture site. This minimally invasive technique restored tension to the tendon, a prerequisite for which was the presence of functional triceps surae, confirmed by identification of gross contraction of the muscle during tiptoeing. The procedure is contraindicated when the scar tissue is not intact and does not have sufficient laxity to allow adequate dorsiflexion of the ankle after overwrapping the tendon or when the triceps surae are nonfunctional.     

The effect of triceps surae contracture force on plantar foot pressure distribution

BACKGROUND: Triceps surae contractures have been associated with foot and ankle pathology. Achilles tendon contractures have been shown to shift plantar foot pressure from the heel to the forefoot. The purpose of this study was to determine whether isolated gastrocnemius contractures had similar effects and to assess the effects of gastrocnemius or soleus contracture on midfoot plantar pressure. METHODS: Ten fresh frozen cadaver below-knee specimens were loaded to 79 pounds (350 N) plantar force with the foot unconstrained on a 10-degree dorsiflexed plate. Combinations of static gastrocnemius or soleus forces were applied in 3-lb increments and plantar pressure recordings were obtained for the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot regions. RESULTS: The percentage of plantar force borne by the forefoot and midfoot increased with triceps surae force, while that borne by the hindfoot decreased (p相似文献   

脑瘫尖足内翻畸形的功能重建及A型肉毒毒素配合治疗的临床分析

目的 探讨脑瘫尖足内翻畸形的功能重建及A型肉毒毒素配合治疗的临床疗效.方法 收集2000年1月至2009年1月在我科住院行尖足内翻畸形矫正的痉挛性脑瘫,术后小腿三头肌的肌张力Ⅱ级以上者共32例,给予A型肉毒毒素局部注射治疗,观察手术和药物注射前后的功能改善情况并进行比较.结果 检杳治疗前踝背伸肌力在0～2级,随访时踝背伸的肌力为4～5级,采用配对t检验,术前后比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).治疗前足内翻在30°～75°之间,随访时足内翻在0°～25°,采用配对t检验,治疗前后数据的差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).小腿三头肌2个月复查时,肌张力在Ⅱ～Ⅳ级,随访时肌张力在Ⅰ～Ⅱ级.采用配对t检验,术前后比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 胫后肌前移配合A型肉毒毒素可同时减轻肌张力和改善踝背伸肌力,提高脑瘫的足部畸形的临床疗效.

Abstract：

Objective To observe the clinical therapial value of functional reconstruction with Botulinum Toxin A (BTA) on spasitic cerebral palsy. Methods Thirty-two patients were treated by Achilles tendon lengthening and anterior transfer of posterior tibial tendon.According to the spasticity of triceps surae muscle,all cases were arranged by BTA injection 2 months later after operation.Results From Jan.2000 to Jan.2009,thirty-two cases with equinovarus foot of spasticitical cerebral palsy were collected,the muscle strength of ankle dorsal extensor increased from 0-2 grades to 4-5 grades,there was significant difference between preoperational muscle strength and postoperational one.There was also significant improvement to adjust yarus degrees of ankle joint.the musclar tension of triceps muscle of calf decreased from Ⅱ-Ⅳ grades to Ⅰ-Ⅱ grades. Conclusion Anterior transfer of posterior tibial tendon corresponding with Botulinum Toxin A injection not only release muscle spasticity but also improve dorsal extending strength of ankle joint.The clinical effect of these methods was reliable on cerebral palsy.