Kinematics and kinetics of the hip, knee, and ankle of children with clubfoot after posteromedial release

Clubfoot is a bony deformity characterized by inversion, adduction, and equ inus that often require surgical intervention. This study assessed the gait kinetics; and kinematics of children with unilateral and those with bilate ral clubfoot, comparing them with age- and gender-matched normal (control) children. Patient satisfaction also was examined using a questionnaire and muscle strength was evaluated at the ankle rind knee. In evaluating the, ki nematics. it was important to note that deviations occurred at the ankle of children with clubfoot. Differences in kinematics and kinetics at the hip and knee between normal children and those with clubfoot resulted from lack of motion at the ankle. Furthermore. the strength of ankle plantarflexors was weak, which reduced plantarflexion during push-off. This restricted mot ion may have been caused by residual bony deformities and muscle tightness resulting from the original condition that contributed to muscle stiffness during gait.