[Surgery of the foot in equinus deformity in hemiplegic adults]

The authors report the results of surgical treatment of the equinus deformity of the foot in adult hemiplegia performed on 23 patients with a long term follow-up for 20 of them. Surgical treatment required two phases. Firstly, a spasticity correction by scopiform neurotomy of the posterior tibial nerve: this operation had to be done 14 times because of the importance of the spasticity. Secondly, a phase of truly orthopaedic surgery which involved successively, a treatment of the equinus deformity by lengthening of the Achilles tendon, a restoration of the dorsal flexion by anterior muscle transfer and some complementary operations on the forefoot. An astragalo-scaphoid arthrodesis was associated in the 13 most recent cases. Results were subjectively judged very good or good for 17 patients. Objectively, walking appliances have been reduced, gait was more secure and a greater autonomy has been reached. However, the goals of this surgery are limited as it has no incidence on central interferent lesions and neuropsychological troubles resulting from brain damage. The quality of the result is, in other respects, conditional upon the gait pattern of the whole limb, particularly upon the importance of the flexion of the knee during the step cycle.