ANKLE EQUINUS - PREVALENCE AND LINKAGE TO COMMON FOOT PATHOLOGY

One hundred seventy-six of 209 consecutive new patients were examined over a 6-week period for the presence or absence of equinus deformity in the course of their workup for their primary complaint. Of the pati ents examined, 96.5% exhibited restricted ankle dorsiflexion requiring compensation during gait. Foot complaints were categorized into media l, lateral, and rearfoot problems. The high incidence of equinus refle cts ''acquired deformity'' related to factors of lifestyle that leave the posterior muscles at a physiologic disadvantage toward maintaining flexibility. There is a significant relation between compensation for ankle equinus and pediatric pathology. More attention should be direc ted at the evaluation of ankle range of motion during examination of c ommon foot problems. Gastrosoleal stretching is an important treatment modality that can lead to a higher success rate of conservative treat ment. It can decrease the need for foot surgery, and significantly red uce the number of failed or serial surgical procedures.