Heel cord advancement for treatment of equinus deformity in cerebral palsy

Spastic equinus deformity is common in patients with cerebral palsy. Since 1981, 612 anterior transpositions of the Achilles tendon as described by Murphy have been performed. One hundred patients with at least 30 months' follow-up were selected and retrospectively reviewed. Good correction of the equinus deformity was obtained without the need for prolonged bracing. No patient had a calcaneal gait or recurrence of equinus.