EQUINUS DEFORMITY IN CEREBRAL-PALSY - RECURRENCE AFTER TENDO ACHILLISLENGTHENING

Twenty-seven patients with cerebral palsy (CP) were recalled and studi ed in detail 2 to 9 years post tendo Achillis lengthening (TAL). The r ecurrence rate of equinus deformity was 22.2%. Multiple clinical chara cteristics and follow-up examination findings were analyzed to determi ne their relation to recurrence. The recurrence group had a significan tly (P<0.05) smaller preoperative popliteal angle, a greater popliteal angle at follow-up, and a greater change in popliteal angle from preo perative to follow-up than the non-recurrence group. This indicated th at increasing hamstring contracture was the major factor influencing r ecurrence. Spasticity of tibialis posterior and leg-length discrepancy may be related factors as well.