Equinus and cerebral palsy--its management

Orthopaedic procedures for the correction of equinus deformity are effective in the treatment of spastic cerebral palsy. The best operative procedure for the correction of fixed equinus deformity in our series was the sliding lengthening of the heel cord. Adequate postoperative management of these patients is essential in order to obtain a good result. Long-term support at night during the growing period is necessary to prevent recurrent equinus. An exercise regimen to develop balanced muscle function is essential for a satisfactory result.