Tratamento cirúrgico do pé eqüino na paralisia cerebral: uma revisão sistemática e quantitativa da literatura

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To perform an systematic and quantitative review of the literature dealing with the surgical treatment of equinus foot in cerebral palsy, to perform a statistical analysis of the results in order to characterize a meta-analysis, the purpose of which is to clarify which of the surgical techniques has the lesser risk of recurrence of the equinus deformity, and when to operate on. METHODS: Systematic and quantitative review of the literature between 1966 and 2007. The selection of articles followed a pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. The studies were identified and chosen using the computer databases in the Internet as the search strategy (Medline, Embase, Lilacs, and Cochrane Virtual Library). A manual search in journals and books was also done. The data of each study were collected in a pre-established form. The methodological quality of each study was evaluated. For each study selected an estimate was made of the effects of the treatment (relative risk of recurrence). The data were submitted to clinical analysis and to statistical heterogeneity appreciation by analyzing subgroups (mean age, duration of follow-up, and surgical technique used). RESULTS: From the 70 publications found, 20 observational, retrospective studies were selected. Analysis of the studies with mean follow-up longer than five years shows that the rate of recurrence are of higher absolute value in proportion with the longer duration of the follow-up. The studies in which the mean age of patients at the time of surgery was older than seven years show a smaller sum total of relative risks when compared to the group with mean ager younger than seven years, showing a significant reduction of the absolute risk. The comparative analysis of studies that mention performance of lengthening of the calcaneus tendon shows a lower sum total of risks when compared to studies that mention lengthening in the muscle-tendon junction, but with a small reduction in absolute risk. CONCLUSIONS: Zetaplasty for the lengthening of the calcaneus tendon tends to be safer. Patients should operated on after seven years of age. In the long term, the risk of recurrence increases significantly, which reinforces the need for a follow-up of these patients at least till they reach skeletal maturity.