Management of the adult, spastic, equinovarus foot deformity

Management of the persistent, acquired, neurogenic equinovarus foot may be a confounding rehabilitative dilemma. Victims of cerebrovascular accidents and traumatic brain injury commonly develop this neurogenic deformity. The plantarflexed and inverted foot position results from an imbalance of forces about the hindfoot due to exaggerated muscle tone and hyperactive stretch reflexes. Significant functional impairment may ensue if a plantigrade foot position cannot be achieved and maintained. Surgical correction may be necessary if conservative measures fail. Determination of the dynamic and static components contributing to the equinovarus deformity is difficult. Gait analysis and dynamic electromyographic studies are valuable adjuncts for operative planning. The wide-ranging goals of surgery vary from improving transfer and ambulation skills, to assisting wheelchair positioning, to facilitating use of braces and/or shoe wear.