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Dynamic versus fixed equinus deformity in children with cerebral palsy: how does the triceps surae muscle work?

Martin Svehlík1, Ernst B Zwick, Gerhard Steinwender

  • 1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Austria. martin.spejlik@seznam.cz

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|November 30, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Peak lengthening velocity of the triceps surae muscle may distinguish fixed equinus (FEQ) from dynamic equinus in children with cerebral palsy. This finding aids in clinical decisions for treating equinus gait patterns.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Biomechanics

Background:

  • Children with cerebral palsy often exhibit equinus deformities, impacting gait.
  • Differentiating between dynamic and fixed equinus is crucial for effective treatment.
  • Understanding triceps surae muscle function is key to managing these deformities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify outcome measures differentiating dynamic equinus from fixed equinus (FEQ) in children with cerebral palsy.
  • To describe gastrocnemius and soleus (SOL) muscle function in the presence of dynamic triceps surae tightness or FEQ contracture.

Main Methods:

  • A group-comparison study involving children with cerebral palsy and a healthy control group.
  • Gait analysis in a specialized laboratory.
  • Measurement of time-distance, kinematic, kinetic, muscle-tendon length, and velocity parameters.

Main Results:

  • Both equinus groups showed decreased ankle dorsiflexion compared to controls.
  • Significant differences in ankle range of motion, plantar flexor power, and timing were observed.
  • Peak lengthening velocity of the triceps surae was significantly slower in the FEQ group, occurring in early swing phase.

Conclusions:

  • Peak lengthening velocity of the triceps surae muscle is a potential discriminating factor between FEQ and dynamic equinus.
  • This finding can assist clinicians in making treatment decisions for children with cerebral palsy and equinus gait.
Abstract

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