Gait electromyograms and surgical decisions for paralytic deformities of the foot

Twenty-one patients who had 23 gait electromyographic (EMG) examinations for paralytic deformities of the foot had surgical procedures performed. Outcome of the surgery was analysed with respect to the value of the pre-operative gait studies in deciding on appropriate surgical procedures. When outcome at follow-up (mean 3.6 years) was satisfactory and surgery had been in accordance with the EMG findings, or when outcome was unsatisfactory when the EMG had been disregarded, the value was deemed positive. Conversely, if the EMG data had been disregarded but outcome was satisfactory, the value was negative. Using these criteria, 70 per cent of the EMGs of the four muscles tested (tibialis anterior and posterior, peroneal and gastrocnemius) were a positive contribution to the evaluation and decision for the particular surgical procedure.