TY - JOUR
T1 - Early mobilization after sliding Achilles tendon lengthening in children with spastic cerebral palsy
AU - Katz, K.
AU - Arbel, N.
AU - Apter, N.
AU - Soudry, M.
PY - 2000
Y1 - 2000
N2 - Equinus deformity is a common finding in children with cerebral palsy and may be treated by Achilles tendon lengthening. To prevent recurrence, some authors recommend immobilizing the operated leg with an above knee cast for six weeks, followed by use of a night splint or orthosis. Nevertheless, there are recurrence rates of up to 20.5%. The aim of tiffs study was to evaluate the long-term result of postoperative immobilization for two weeks in a below-knee cast and early weight bearing, without the use of a splint or orthosis. Thirty-six children (52 feet) with spastic cerebral palsy underwent sliding Achilles tendon lengthening. Follow-up of five to ten years showed a comparable recurrence rate (19.2%) to that reported with the standard, more stringent management approach. Most of the recurrences were in children operated on before five years of age. We believe earlier motion helps to sustain the tendon length achieved at surgery and allows for earlier independent gait.
AB - Equinus deformity is a common finding in children with cerebral palsy and may be treated by Achilles tendon lengthening. To prevent recurrence, some authors recommend immobilizing the operated leg with an above knee cast for six weeks, followed by use of a night splint or orthosis. Nevertheless, there are recurrence rates of up to 20.5%. The aim of tiffs study was to evaluate the long-term result of postoperative immobilization for two weeks in a below-knee cast and early weight bearing, without the use of a splint or orthosis. Thirty-six children (52 feet) with spastic cerebral palsy underwent sliding Achilles tendon lengthening. Follow-up of five to ten years showed a comparable recurrence rate (19.2%) to that reported with the standard, more stringent management approach. Most of the recurrences were in children operated on before five years of age. We believe earlier motion helps to sustain the tendon length achieved at surgery and allows for earlier independent gait.
KW - Achilles tendon lengthening
KW - Cerebral palsy
KW - Early motion
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0034487988&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/107110070002101205
DO - 10.1177/107110070002101205
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AN - SCOPUS:0034487988
SN - 1071-1007
VL - 21
SP - 1011
EP - 1014
JO - Foot and Ankle International
JF - Foot and Ankle International
IS - 12
ER -