Ankle dorsiflexion after isolated medial versus complete proximal gastrocnemius recession: A cadaveric study

Gastrocnemius recession has been described in the treatment of gastrocnemius contracture. The aims of this study were: (1) to assess the change in ankle dorsiflexion after isolated medial gastrocnemius recession performed according to L.S. Barouk's technique; (2) to compare ankle dorsiflexion after isolated medial head with complete proximal gastrocnemius recession.

A cadaveric study was performed on 15 lower limb adult specimens. Isolated medial gastrocnemius head recession was initially performed, followed by an additional recession of the lateral gastrocnemius head. Ankle dorsiflexion torque was applied with 2 and 4 kg forces on second metatarsal head. Ankle dorsiflexion was measured with the knee both in extension and at 90° of flexion and values were recorded before surgery (T0), after medial head recession (T1) and after both heads recession (T2). Normality of data was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, then measurements were compared in the three conditions with appropriate statistical tests.

After isolated medial gastrocnemius recession (Δ = T1-T0), ankle dorsiflexion assessed with the knee in extension significantly increased by 5° ± 3 (range, -2 to 10) with a 2-kg torque (p = 0.02) and by 4.5° ± 3 (range, -4 to 10) with a 4-kg torque (p = 0.04). No significant difference was observed with the knee flexed at 90° (p > 0.05 for all measurements). After both gastrocnemius heads recession (Δ = T2-T1), although a further increase in dorsiflexion was noticed, statistical significance was not reached neither with the knee in extension nor at 90° of flexion (p > 0.05 for all measurements).

In this study, isolated medial gastrocnemius head recession performed according to LS Barouk's technique was effective in improving ankle dorsiflexion, whereas the additional release of the lateral head did not produce any significant change.

Level V, cadaveric study.