Claw toes in hemiplegic patients after stroke

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Podiatry

Background:

• Stroke frequently leads to motor impairments, affecting lower limb function.
• Claw toes, a deformity of the foot, can significantly impact gait and rehabilitation outcomes in post-stroke individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of claw toes in hemiplegic patients one year after stroke.
• To investigate the correlation between claw toes and other lower limb disorders, such as equinus and varus foot.
• To assess the relationship between claw toes and functional recovery in stroke survivors.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 39 hemiplegic patients within one year post-stroke.
• Evaluations included assessing for claw toes, triceps surae spasticity, motor impairment, and functional abilities using the Barthel Index, PASS, and FAC.
• Data were collected through 64 evaluations conducted over a one-year period.

Main Results:

• Claw toes occurred in 46% (18 out of 39) of the patients.
• In 83% of affected patients, claw toes emerged within three months post-stroke.
• A significant association was found between claw toes and equinus and/or varus foot (p<0.0001).

Conclusions:

• Claw toes are a common and early complication in hemiplegic patients following a stroke.
• The presence of equinus and/or varus foot and achieving average functional capacities were associated with claw toes.
• Early diagnosis and management of claw toes are essential for optimizing patient rehabilitation and functional outcomes.