Fixed and dynamic equinus in cerebral palsy: evaluation of ankle function after multilevel surgery

Multilevel surgery for gait improvement was performed on 29 ambulatory children with diplegic cerebral palsy. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of dynamic equinus (12 cases) and fixed equinus deformity (17 cases). Dynamic equinus deformities were not corrected surgically, and fixed deformities were corrected by intramuscular gastrosoleus lengthening. Ankle function was evaluated by clinical examination and gait analysis before surgery and a minimum of 3 years after surgery. Positive changes in ankle function were observed in both the groups. Conservative management of dynamic equinus deformities resulted in significant improvements in ankle function. Intramuscular lengthening of fixed equinus deformities does not cause a weakening of the muscle and improves static and dynamic function of the ankle.