ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To measure the muscle length of the gastrocnemius and soleus during gait in CP patients with an equinus deformity before and after surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve CP patients with an equinus deformity (17 limbs) were examined by gait analysis preoperatively and postoperatively. The patient group was further classified into the TAL and Strayer group according to the surgical technique. The mean age and mean follow-up periods were 14.3 years (5-25 years) and 15.3 months (12.5-18.5 months), respectively. The muscle length of the Gastrocnemius and Soleus was measured during gait using the SIMM program linked to a gait analysis system. RESULTS: The ankle ROM, knee ROM, maximal muscle length and peak-to-peak excursion during gait improved after surgery. There was a significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative measurements (p0.05). The muscle length of the soleus was elongated during gait after the Strayer procedure. CONCLUSION: Patients with an equinus deformity had a contracted triceps muscle, which was elongated after surgery. These changes were quantified by a comparison of the preoperative and postoperative measurements.