Forefoot problems in cerebral palsy-diagnosis and management

Forefoot deformities in cerebral palsy include cavus, metatarsus adductus, hallux valgus and bunion, dorsal bunion, and toe flexion contractures. Both prevention and correction of these deformities are surgical. Some can be prevented by lengthening or tenotomy of the spastic muscle that causes the dynamic deformity which eventually becomes the fixed skeletal deformity. Fixed deformities need osteotomies and arthrodesis of the bones in addition to removing the force of the deforming muscle. Some forefoot problems are related to the mid and hind foot, e.g., hallux valgus due to spastic pes valgus. Severe cavus can develop after overzealous Achilles tendon lengthening and failure to separate forefoot from hindfoot equinus.