Slide lengthening of the heel cord in cerebral palsy

ABSTRACT

Equinus is the most common deformity in children with spastic cerebral palsy [CP]. [Z] lengthening has a low rate of recurrence, but a significant rate of calcaneus deformity. Slide techniques have a higher rate of recurrence, but no calcaneus deformity. The aim of this study is to repopularize the White sliding technique and re-emphasize its efficacy in correcting equinus while avoiding calcaneus deformity. Thirty five children with CP and equinus deformity underwent [White] slide lengthening of the heel cord. The average improvement in dorsiflexion was 22.8°. Four children had a recurrence that required revision surgery. No patient developed a calcaneus deformity. White slide lengthening is an efficient [low recurrence] and safe [no calcaneus deformity] technique for correcting fixed equinus in CP. Surgical intervention should be postponed till above the age of 4 years. Long term follow up is required to report the true incidence of recurrence