Equinovarus Foot Research Articles

Inertial measurement units to evaluate the efficacity of Equino Varus Foot surgery in post stroke hemiparetic patients: a feasibility study

IntroductionThis study evaluates the gait analysis obtained by Inetial Measurement Units (IMU) before and after surgical management of Spastic Equino Varus Foot (SEVF) in hemiplegic post-stroke patients and to compare it with the functional results obtained in a monocentric prospective cohort.MethodsPatients with post-stroke SEVF, who underwent surgery in a single hospital between November 2019 and December 2021 were included. The follow-up duration was 6 months and included a functional analysis using Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) and a Gait analysis using an innovative Multidimensional Gait Evaluation using IMU: the semiogram.Results20 patients had a gait analysis preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. 90% (18/20) patients had a functional improvement (GAS T score ≥ 50) and 50% (10/20) had an improvement in walking technique as evidenced by the cessation of the use of a walking aid (WA). In patients with functional improvement and modification of WA the change in the semiogram area was + 9.5%, sd = 27.5%, and it was + 15.4%, sd = 28%. In the group with functional improvement without change of WA. For the 3 experiences (two patients) with unfavorable results, the area under the curve changed by + 2.3%, -10.2% and − 9.5%. The measurement of the semiogram area weighted by average speed demonstrated very good reproducibility (ICC(1, 3) = 0.80).DiscussionIMUs appear to be a promising solution for the assessment of post-stroke hemiplegic patients who have undergone SEVF surgery. They can provide a quantified, objective, reliable in individual longitudinal follow up automated gait analysis solution for routine clinical use. Combined with a functional scale such as the GAS, they can provide a global analysis of the effect of surgery.

Spastic Equinovarus Foot Deformity.

Acute brain injuries are caused by a variety of etiologies, each potentially disrupting neurological function. The neurologic impairments are on a spectrum of severity often creating functional barriers to completing activities of daily living. Initial treatment starts immediately upon diagnosis and requires a multimodal approach working to prevent systemic changes. Therapy, bracing treatment, injections, and pharmacologic treatments are the mainstay of early intervention. Worsening upper motor neurological impairment associated with involuntary muscle hyperactivity can lead to a spastic equinovarus foot deformity. Spastic equinovarus foot deformities secondary to anoxic brain injuries or traumatic brain injury pose a challenging situation for orthopaedic surgeons because of associated cognitive impairment, spastic tone, and extensive soft-tissue contractures prohibiting bracing treatment. Tendon releases and transfers in combination with functional bracing treatment are initially attempted, and selective fusions are performed for severe cases. Surgical indications are primarily focused on obtaining a balanced, braceable, functional lower extremity with a plantigrade foot.

Ankle joint replacement for necrosis of the talus, crusarthrosis, equinovarus and adducted foot

Introduction Surgical treatment of patients with avascular osteonecrosis of the talus and post-traumatic hindfoot deformity is associated with high morbidity, difficulty of early disease detection, the discrepancy between patient expectations and orthopaedic requirements for surgical outcomes due to traditional methods. The use of customized ankle joint replacement may be a potential solution to this problem.The objective was to evaluate the results of treatment of a patient with avascular osteonecrosis of the talus, crusarthrosis and hindfoot deformity using an original replacement method for the ankle joint and the talus.Material and methods A 30-year-old patient with post-traumatic avascular osteonecrosis of the talus, crusarthrosis, equinovarus and adducted foot underwent replacement of the ankle joint and talus using the method developed by the authors. Radiographic and tomographic methods were used for diagnosis. The VAS scale, AOFAS, FFI, EFAS questionnaires and pedobarography were used to assess clinical and functional results.Results The results of treatment evaluated at 12 months showed maintained foot deformity correction, stability of a tailored construct with no signs of loosening and osteolysis. The clinical and functional result showed a 81/2 VAS decrease in pain, functional status improved by 4.3 times with functional foot index (FFI) improved by 2.2 times according to the AOFAS scale at 12 months.Discussion Orthopaedic surgeons are conducting research aimed at preserving ankle motion in the treatment of avascular osteonecrosis of the talus. A serious problem is associated with concomitant deformities of the hindfoot and available implants fail to solve this problem.Conclusion The surgical method offered for the patient provided good clinical and functional results with the hindfoot deformity corrected within one stage reducing the treatment time.

Automatic gait events detection with inertial measurement units: healthy subjects and moderate to severe impaired patients

BackgroundRecently, the use of inertial measurement units (IMUs) in quantitative gait analysis has been widely developed in clinical practice. Numerous methods have been developed for the automatic detection of gait events (GEs). While many of them have achieved high levels of efficiency in healthy subjects, detecting GEs in highly degraded gait from moderate to severely impaired patients remains a challenge. In this paper, we aim to present a method for improving GE detection from IMU recordings in such cases.MethodsWe recorded 10-meter gait IMU signals from 13 healthy subjects, 29 patients with multiple sclerosis, and 21 patients with post-stroke equino varus foot. An instrumented mat was used as the gold standard. Our method detects GEs from filtered acceleration free from gravity and gyration signals. Firstly, we use autocorrelation and pattern detection techniques to identify a reference stride pattern. Next, we apply multiparametric Dynamic Time Warping to annotate this pattern from a model stride, in order to detect all GEs in the signal.ResultsWe analyzed 16,819 GEs recorded from healthy subjects and achieved an F1-score of 100%, with a median absolute error of 8 ms (IQR [3–13] ms). In multiple sclerosis and equino varus foot cohorts, we analyzed 6067 and 8951 GEs, respectively, with F1-scores of 99.4% and 96.3%, and median absolute errors of 18 ms (IQR [8–39] ms) and 26 ms (IQR [12–50] ms).ConclusionsOur results are consistent with the state of the art for healthy subjects and demonstrate a good accuracy in GEs detection for pathological patients. Therefore, our proposed method provides an efficient way to detect GEs from IMU signals, even in degraded gaits. However, it should be evaluated in each cohort before being used to ensure its reliability.

Pain, disability, and quality of life in participants after concurrent onabotulinumtoxinA treatment of upper and lower limb spasticity: Observational results from the ASPIRE study.

Upper and lower limb spasticity is commonly associated with central nervous system disorders including stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injury, but little is known about the concurrent treatment of upper and lower limb spasticity with botulinum toxins. To evaluate onabotulinumtoxinA (onabotA) utilization and to determine if concurrent onabotA treatment of the upper and lower limbs has supported improvements in participants with spasticity. Sub-analysis of a 2-year, international, prospective, observational registry (ASPIRE, NCT01930786). International clinic sites (54). Adult spasticity participants across etiologies, who received ≥1 concurrent onabotA treatment of the upper and lower limbs during the study. Participants were treated with onabotA at the clinician's discretion. Baseline characteristics and outcomes of disability (Disability Assessment Scale [DAS]), pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale [NPRS]), participant satisfaction, physician satisfaction, and quality of life (QoL; Spasticity Impact Assessment [SIA]) were evaluated. Adverse events were monitored throughout the study. Of 744 participants enrolled, 730 received ≥1 dose of onabotA; 275 participants received treatment with onabotA in both upper and lower limbs during ≥1 session; 39.3% of participants were naïve to onabotA for spasticity. The mean (SD) total dose per treatment session ranged from 421.2 (195.3) to 499.6 (188.6) U. The most common baseline upper limb presentation was clenched fist (n = 194, 70.5%); lower limb was equinovarus foot (n = 219, 66.9%). High physician and participant satisfaction and improvements in pain, disability and QoL were reported after most treatments. Nine participants (3.3%) reported nine treatment-related adverse events; two participants (0.7%) reported three serious treatment-related severe adverse events. No new safety signals were identified. More than a third of enrolled participants received at least one concurrent onabotA treatment of the upper and lower limbs, with reduced pain, disability, and improved QoL after treatment, consistent with the established safety profile of onabotA for the treatment of spasticity.

Anatomical study of the motor branches of the tibial nerve and incision design for hyperselective neurectomy.

Selective tibial neurotomy (STN) is a surgical procedure for treating spastic equinovarus foot. Hyperselective neurectomy (HSN) of tibial nerve is a modified STN procedure, which was rarely discussed. This study aimed to describe the branching patterns of the tibial nerve and propose an optimal surgical incision of HSN for treatment of spastic equinovarus foot. Sixteen lower limbs were dissected to determine the various branching patterns of the tibial nerve and categorized according to these branching patterns. The mean distances from the nerve entry points to the tip of femur's medial epicondyle were measured, as well as their percentage to the overall length of the leg. The surgical incision was designed according to the range of these nerve entry points. The tibial nerve sent out proximal and distal motor branches based on their position relative to the soleus muscle's tendinous arch. For proximal motor branches, the branches innervating the medial gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius and proximal soleus were categorized into types I (9/16), II (5/16) and III (2/16). Measurements from the medial epicondyle to the nerve entry points into the medial gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius and proximal soleus ranged from 14 to 33mm (4-9% of leg length), 22-45mm (6-12%) and 35-81mm (10-22%), respectively. Distal motor branches including the distal soleus, posterior tibialis, flexor digitorum longus and flexor hallucis longus, were classified as types A (8/14), B (4/14) and C (2/14), with the distances from their respective terminal points to the medial epicondyle were 67-137mm (19-39%), 74-125mm (20-35%), 116-243mm (33-69%) and 125-272mm (35-77%). The motor branches of tibial nerve were classified into two groups and each subdivided into three types. Detailed location parameters may serve as an anatomical basis for designing incision of HSN.

Innovative Design and Development of Personalized Ankle-Foot Orthoses for Survivors of Stroke With Equinovarus Foot: Protocol for a Feasibility and Comparative Trial.

Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are vital in gait rehabilitation for patients with stroke. However, many conventional AFO designs may not offer the required precision for optimized patient outcomes. With the advent of 3D scanning and printing technology, there is potential for more individualized AFO solutions, aiming to enhance the rehabilitative process. This nonrandomized trial seeks to introduce and validate a novel system for AFO design tailored to patients with stroke. By leveraging the capabilities of 3D scanning and bespoke software solutions, the aim is to produce orthoses that might surpass conventional designs in terms of biomechanical effectiveness and patient satisfaction. A distinctive 3D scanner, complemented by specialized software, will be developed to accurately capture the biomechanical data of leg movements during gait in patients with stroke. The acquired data will subsequently guide the creation of patient-specific AFO designs. These personalized orthoses will be provided to participants, and their efficacy will be compared with traditional AFO models. The qualitative dimensions of this experience will be evaluated using the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction With Assistive Technology (QUEST) assessment tool. Feedback from health care professionals and the participants will be considered throughout the trial to ensure a rounded understanding of the system's implications. Spatial-temporal parameters will be statistically compared using paired t tests to determine significant differences between walking with the personalized orthosis, the existing orthosis, and barefoot conditions. Significant differences will be identified based on P values, with P<.05 indicating statistical significance. The Statistical Parametric Mapping method will be applied to graphically compare kinematic and kinetic data across the entire gait cycle. QUEST responses will undergo statistical analysis to evaluate patient satisfaction, with scores ranging from 1 (not satisfied) to 5 (very satisfied). Satisfaction scores will be presented as mean and SD values. Significant variations in satisfaction levels between the personalized and existing orthosis will be assessed using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. The anticipation is that the AFOs crafted through this innovative system will either match or outperform existing orthoses in use, with higher patient satisfaction rates. Embracing the synergy of technology and biomechanics may hold the key to revolutionizing orthotic design, with the potential to set new standards in patient-centered orthotic solutions. However, as with all innovations, a balanced approach, considering both the technological possibilities and individual patient needs, will be paramount to achieving optimal outcomes. PRR1-10.2196/52365.

Short-term reduction of ankle spasticity after surgical lengthening of the triceps surae in chronic post-stroke patients: a retrospective cohort study.

In post-stroke patients with equinovarus foot deformity (EVFD), soft tissue rearrangements may contribute to muscle overactivity when a muscle is stretched or tension is applied. Therefore, we investigated the effects of surgically restoring the triceps surae (TS) length and lengthening ability on TS spasticity. This retrospective study included chronic post-stroke patients who underwent neuro-orthopedic surgery inclusive of TS lengthening. TS spasticity was measured using the Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) before and 1 month after surgery, both with the knee extended (KE) and flexed (KF). MTS variations were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. The time from stroke onset was compared between patients with and without post-surgical spasticity using the t-test. Statistical significance was set at 5%. A total of 120 patients with EVFD, aged 57 (12) years, ranging from 1 to 36 years from stroke, were included in the study. The median MTS_KE score significantly decreased from 3 (range 0-4) to 2 (0-4) (p < 0.001) after surgery. The MTS score decreased by ≥1 point in more than half of the sample. Notably, 19 and 32 patients were completely relieved from spasticity (MTS = 0) in the KE and KF conditions, respectively. Post-surgical spasticity did not depend on the time since stroke onset (p = 0.560). TS lengthening led to a short-term reduction of spasticity in 41% and 63% of chronic post-stroke patients in the gastro-soleus complex and soleus, respectively, with complete relief observed in 21% and 30% of the sample. Surgical lengthening can be considered an effective treatment that not only restores joint range of motion but also may reduce spasticity, even in chronic patients.

Simple Talectomy is a Beneficial Surgical Procedure for Talipes Equinovarus and Other Severe Neuromuscular Foot Deformities

Noninvasive techniques are gold standard to redress Severe Neuromuscular Foot Deformity (SNFD). However, simple talectomy may be considered to obtain a stable, plantigrade, pain-free foot. We present a 10-year follow-up accessing radiological correction rates, functional outcomes, complications, and patient satisfaction. This retrospective case series evaluated talectomies in 2012 to 2022. Simple talectomy was combined with Steinman pin fixation of calcaneus to tibia for approximately 6 weeks. Diagnoses primarily included arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and cerebral palsy. Indications were pain, wounds/pressure marks, severe rigidity, and residual/recurrent deformity. The primary outcome was radiological correction. Tibiotalar angle (TiTa) and tibiocalcaneal angle (TiCa) were measured on mediolateral projections. Secondary outcomes were functional scores of pain/deformity graded as good, fair or poor. Furthermore, validated patient-reported outcome measures, that is, EQ-5D-5L and the Scoliosis Research Society-30 Questionnaire (2 items) assessed health-related quality of life and patient satisfaction. Nineteen talectomies in 11 patients were analyzed. Mean follow-up was 62 months (range 9-112 months). Mean TiTa was 137° (95%CI 128;146). TiCa improved significantly: Mean difference -24° (95%CI -44;-5, p = .02). All feet became plantigrade and pain-free with no skin issues. Functional outcomes were graded as 9/19 good, 10/19 fair and 0/19 poor. Parents/primary caregivers were mainly satisfied. Perceived health was 54 (95%CI 34;75) out of 100 on a visual analogue scale, emphasizing complex medical conditions. In conclusion, simple talectomy is a suitable salvage procedure for SNFD.

Arthrogryposis is a descriptive term, not a specific disease entity: Escobar Syndrome is an example.

Children born with multiple congenital contractures have been almost always given the diagnosis of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. Arthrogryposis is a descriptive term, not a specific disease entity. A heterogeneous group of conditions associated with multiple congenital joint contractures (mostly syndromic) should be considered. The records of seven children (four boys and three girls aged 6 months - 11 years) of different ethnic origins have been included in this study. The constellation of specific craniofacial dysmorphic features, spine malformation complex, and appendicular skeletal abnormalities in addition to camptodactyly, talipes equinovarus and rocker-bottom feet were a cluster of malformation complex encountered in our patients. Via comprehensive clinical and imaging study (3D reconstruction CT scan), definite diagnosis of Escobar Syndrome has been approached. The clinical and imaging phenotype was the key factor towards etiological understanding, treatment and genotype confirmation. We identified compound heterozygous mutations (c.459dupA [p.Val154Serfs*24] and c.794T>G [p.Leu265Serfs*24] of the CHRNG gene in four patients. Bilateral flexion contractures of the knees have been treated by using Iliazarov external fixator. Simultaneous corrections of scoliosis have been achieved by applying either dual traditional growing rods or single growing rods. The clinical and radiological phenotypic characterizations are the fundamental tool in differentiating Escobar from other forms of multiple contractures. The aim of this study are three folds, firstly to demonstrate the importance of detecting the etiological understanding in children presented with multiple contractures, secondly to refute the general conception among the vast majority of pediatricians and orthopedic surgeons that arthrogryposis multiplex is a diagnostic entity. And thirdly, we were able to detect severe spine deformity via 3D reconstruction CT scan, namely unsegmented posterior spinal bar.

Children’s orthopaedics

The December 2023 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup360 looks at: A comprehensive nonoperative treatment protocol for developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants; How common are refractures in childhood?; Femoral nailing for paediatric femoral shaft fracture in children aged eight to ten years; Who benefits from allowing the physis to grow in slipped capital femoral epiphysis?; Paediatric patients with an extremity bone tumour: a secondary analysis of the PARITY trial data; Split tibial tendon transfers in cerebral palsy equinovarus foot deformities; Liposomal bupivacaine nerve block: an answer to opioid use?; Correction with distal femoral transphyseal screws in hemiepiphysiodesis for coronal-plane knee deformity.

Arthroscopic Releases and Hindfoot Fusion for Spastic Equinovarus Foot Deformities, An All-Inside Technique

Neurologic foot contractures pose a challenging situation for orthopaedic surgeons. These deformities are long-standing problems for patients with acute brain injuries, ultimately affecting their quality of life. We report our experience with using arthroscopic assisted, minimally invasive contracture tenotomies paired with a tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis to achieve improved alignment and functional reconstruction of spastic equinovarus foot deformities.

Clinical and genetic characteristics of type 7 distal arthrogryposis caused by a pathogenic variant in the &lt;i&gt;MYH8&lt;/i&gt; gene

Distal arthrogryposis is a group of genetically heterogeneous congenital diseases characterized by non-progressive contractures predominantly distal joints of the upper and lower extremities. 11 genes have been identified as pathogenic variants causing the occurrence of autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive types of distal arthrogryposis. Almost all products of these genes are expressed in the structures of the neuromuscular system, which makes it possible to classify distal arthrogryposis as a neuromuscular disease. Type 7 distal arthrogryposis is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by two main symptoms: mandibular trismus and pseudocamptodactyly, a specific symptom of limited mobility of the interphalangeal joints during hand dorsiflexion with no restriction during palmar flexion. In all patients described in the literature from different populations with type 7 distal arthrogryposis, the same pathogenic variant c.2021G&gt;A(p.Arg674Gln) was found in the MYH8 gene, the protein product of which is one of the myosin isoforms functioning in the embryonic period and providing the formation of muscle fiber structures.The aim of the work is to describe the clinical and genetic characteristics of the first family case of type 7 distal arthrogryposis in Russian patients. The patients underwent clinical examination and electromyography. Exome sequencing after DNA isolation from the proband’s blood according to the standard method was carried out on the NextSeq 500 platform (Illumina, USA) using the pairedend reading method (2 × 75 bp). Confirmation of the pathogenicity of the identified variants was carried out using automatic Sanger sequencing.As a result of molecular genetic analysis in a father and son with clinical manifestations of type 7 distal arthrogryposis, a heterozygous c.2021G&gt;A variant in exon 18 of the MYH8 gene, which was previously described in all patients published in the literature, was detected, leading to the replacement of p.Arg674Gln(NM_002472.2) in a protein molecule. The examined patients did not reveal focal neurological symptoms, as well as minor developmental abnomalities, pathology of internal organs, ulnar deviations, equinovarus feet deformities, vertical orientation of the talus, contractures of the hip joints, which were found with varying frequency in previously described patients with variants in the MYH8 gene. Specific clinical signs of type 7 distal arthrogryposis, combined with the presence of a major nucleotide variant, make it possible to optimize the process of molecular genetic diagnosis of this type of hereditary arthrogryposis.

Split transfer of tibialis anterior for equinovarus foot deformity in cerebral palsy

: Foot deformities in children with cerebral palsy are common. The various foot deformities are equinus, planovalgus, equinovarus, equinovalgus. Treatment for the flexible foot deformity should be with orthotics and manual therapy initially and then with tendon lengthening. Equinovarus deformity of the foot is a result of the muscle imbalance in which invertors of the foot, posterior and anterior tibialis muscle, overpower evertors. Untreated spastic equinovarus deformity may cause severe fixed foot deformity and painful callosities under metatarsal heads and on the lateral side of foot. To evaluate the effectiveness of split transfer of tibialis anterior for equinovarus foot deformity in spastic cerebral palsy children.40 spastic cerebral palsy (13 diplegic and 27 hemiplegic) children between the age of 5-15 years with equinovarus foot deformity were selected. The procedure adopted in all the cases was tendoachilles lengthening and split anterior tibialis tendon transfer to cuboid. The result was graded as good, fair and poor. In 28 of the cases varus deformity of the forefoot and midfoot got corrected with plantigrade foot, in 10 of the cases forefoot and midfoot supination was corrected but heel was in varus and in 2 of the cases there was no improvement.: Spastic T.A. is most often the cause of varus of forefoot. Split transfer utilises the spastic nature of the muscle to counter balance the deformity caused by the original muscle. Hence, it is better solution to the problem. However accurate diagnosis of deforming muscle, i.e, T.A or T.P. is essential to produce good result.

Selective Tibial Neurotomy for Spastic Equinovarus Foot: Operative Technique.

Spastic equinovarus foot (SEF) is a common complication of stroke and other upper motor neuron injuries. It is characterized by a plantigrade and inverted foot, often with toe curling, causing significant disability from pain, gait, and balance difficulties. Management includes physical therapy, antispasticity drugs, orthoses, chemical neurolysis, or botulinum toxin, all of which may be insufficient, sedating, or transient. Selective tibial neurotomy (STN) provides a surgical option that is effective and long-lasting. Our goal is to provide a concise description of our technique for performing the STN for treatment of SEF. We discuss the standard posterior approach with surgical variations used by other groups and a medial approach, should the posterior approach be insufficient. A posterior leg approach allows access to the tibial nerve and its branches to the bilateral gastrocnemius muscles, soleus, posterior tibialis, and extrinsic toe flexors. A medial approach is used if the toe flexors cannot be accessed sufficiently from the posterior approach. Nerve branch targets identified by preoperative functional assessment are carefully exposed and fully neurolysed distally to identify all terminal branches to each muscle of interest before neurotomy. The STN is a powerful tool for treating SEF, with an immediate and lasting effect. Approximately 80% of the target muscle should be denervated to ensure long-term efficacy while maintaining adequate function of the muscle through collateral innervation. The STN is a safe and effective outpatient procedure that can be performed by an experienced nerve surgeon to improve balance and ambulation and reduce pain for patients with SEF. Large clinical trials are necessary to further establish this underutilized procedure in the United States.

The effects of split tibialis anterior tendon transfer to peroneal tendon for equinovarus foot in children with unilateral cerebral palsy

The effects of split tibialis anterior tendon transfer to peroneal tendon for equinovarus foot in children with unilateral cerebral palsy

Balanced Foot Dorsiflexion Requires a Coordinated Activity of the Tibialis Anterior and the Extensor Digitorum Longus: A Musculoskeletal Modelling Study

Equinus and equinovarus foot deviations (EVFD) are the most frequent lower limb acquired deformities in stroke survivors. We analysed the contribution that the tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and plantarflexor muscles play in EVFD via a biomechanical musculoskeletal model of the ankle–foot complex. Our model was composed of 28 bones (connected by either revolute joints or bone surface contacts), 15 ligaments (modelled as non-linear springs), and 10 muscles, modelled as force actuators. Different combinations of muscle contractions were also simulated. Our results demonstrate that, compared to the condition when the foot is suspended off the ground, the contraction of the TA alone produces dorsiflexion (from −18° to 0°) and a greater supination/inversion (from 12° to 30°). The EDL alone produces dorsiflexion (from −18° to −6°), forefoot pronation (25°) and calcaneal eversion (5.6°). Only TA and EDL synergistic action can lead the foot to dorsiflexion suitable for most daily life activities (≥20°) without any deviation in the frontal plane. When pathological contractures of the plantarflexor muscles were simulated, foot deformities reproducing EVFD were obtained. These results can be relevant for clinical applications, highlighting the importance of EDL assessment, which may help to design appropriate functional surgery and plan targeted rehabilitation treatments.

Effects of Diagnostic Tibial Nerve Block and Selective Tibial Nerve Neurotomy on Spasticity and Spastic co-contractions: A Retrospective Observational Study

Objective: To assess the effects of diagnostic nerve block and selective tibial neurotomy on spasticity and co-contractions in patients with spastic equinovarus foot.Methods: Among 317 patients who underwent a tibial neurotomy between 1997 and 2019, 46 patients who met the inclusion criteria were retrospectively screened. Clinical assessment was made before and after diagnostic nerve block and within 6 months after neurotomy. A total of 24 patients underwent a second assessment beyond 6 months after surgery. Muscle strength, spasticity, angle of catch (XV3), passive (XV1) and active (XVA) ankle range of motion were measured. The spasticity angle X (XV1–XV3) and paresis angle Z (XV1–XVA) were calculated with the knee in flexed and extended positions.Results: Tibialis anterior and triceps surae strength remained unchanged, while both Ashworth and Tardieu scores were highly reduced after nerve block and neurotomy at all measurement times. XV3 and XVA increased significantly after block and neurotomy. XV1 increased slightly after neurotomy. Consequently, spasticity angle X and paresis angle Z decreased after nerve block and neurotomy.Conclusion: Tibial nerve block and neurotomy improve active ankle dorsiflexion, probably by reducing spastic co-contractions. The results also confirmed a long-lasting decrease in spasticity after neurotomy and the predictive value of nerve blocks. LAY ABSTRACTSelective tibial nerve neurotomy is an effective surgical treatment for spastic equinovarus foot deformity after stroke. However, its effectiveness on spastic co-contractions, defined as a disabling involuntary antagonist contraction during an active agonist movement, is unknown. This retrospective study evaluated the effects of tibial neurotomy on the active ankle dorsiflexion limitation related to co- contractions. Selective tibial neurotomy allows an immediate improvement in active dorsal flexion of the ankle, probably by decreasing muscle co-contractions around this joint. This effect continues for the long term for the soleus muscle. This study also confirms that reflex spasticity is permanently reduced after neurotomy. This surgical technique therefore seems useful in limiting impairment caused by the development of spasticity and co-contractions after a stroke.

Selective Tibial Neurotomy Outcomes for Spastic Equinovarus Foot: Patient Expectations and Functional Assessment.

Spastic equinovarus foot (SEF) is a common dysfunctional foot posture after stroke that impairs balance and mobility. Selective tibial neurotomy (STN) is a simple but underutilized surgical option that can effectively address critical aspects of SEF and thereby provide enduring quality of life gains. There are few studies that examine both functional outcomes and patient satisfaction with this treatment option. To elucidate the patient goals that motivated their decision to undergo the procedure and compare subjective and objective changes in balance and functional mobility as a consequence of surgery. Thirteen patients with problematic SEF who had previously failed conservative measures were treated with STN. Preoperative and postoperative (on average 6 months) assessments evaluated gait quality and functional mobility. In addition, a custom survey was conducted to investigate patient perspectives on STN intervention. The survey showed that participants who opted for STN were dissatisfied with their previous spasticity management. The most common preoperative expectation for STN treatment was to improve walking, followed by improving balance, brace comfort, pain, and tone. Postoperatively, participants rated the improvement in their expectations and were, on average, 71 on a 100-point scale, indicating high satisfaction. The gait quality, assessed with the Gait Intervention and Assessment Tool, improved significantly between preoperative and postoperative assessment (M = -4.1, P = .01) with a higher average difference in stance of -3.3 than in swing -0.5. Improvement in both gait endurance (M = 36 m, P = .01) and self-selected gait speed (M = .12 m/s, P = .03) was statistically significant. Finally, static balance (M = 5.0, P = .03) and dynamic balance (M = 3.5, P = .02) were also significantly improved. STN improved gait quality and functional mobility and was associated with high satisfaction in patients with SEF.

The efficacy of split tibial tendon transfers on functional gait outcomes for children and youth with cerebral palsy and spastic equinovarus foot deformities

To systematically review the efficacy of split tendon transfer surgery on gait-related outcomes for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) and spastic equinovarus foot deformity. Five databases (CENTRAL, CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science) were systematically screened for studies investigating split tibialis anterior or split tibialis posterior tendon transfer for spastic equinovarus foot deformity, with gait-related outcomes (published pre-September 2022). Study quality and evidence were assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies, the Risk of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Overall, 17 studies (566 feet) were included: 13 studies used clinical grading criteria to report a postoperative 'success' of 87% (75% to 100%), 14 reported on orthotic use with 88% reduced postoperative use, and one study reported on ankle kinematics improvements. Ten studies reported post-surgical complications at a rate of 11/390 feet (2.8%), but 84 feet (14.8%) had recurrent varus (68 feet, 12%) or occurrence of valgus (16 feet, 2.8%). Only one study included a patient-reported outcome measure (pain). Split tendon transfers are an effective treatment for children and youth with CP and spastic equinovarus foot deformities. Clinical data presented can be used for future study designs; a more standardized functional and patient-focused approach to evaluating outcomes of surgical intervention of gait may be warranted.