The management of equinus deformity in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1984 Aug;66(4):546-50. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.66B4.6746690.

Abstract

Equinus deformity of the ankle is one of the serious orthopaedic problems associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Sixty-nine patients (age range 4 to 17 years) were treated, 43 conservatively and 26 operatively. They were followed up at six-monthly intervals for a minimum of two years and a maximum of six years. The patients were divided into three groups: independently mobile, mobile in calipers, and wheelchair-bound. It was found that conservative treatment could at best only minimise progression of the deformity. The indications for surgery, the operative procedure and the postoperative management are described; all varied according to the stage of the disease. The postoperative follow-up suggests that, though the deformity recurs, the patients have several years of benefit from the procedure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Ankle Joint / physiopathology
  • Ankle Joint / surgery
  • Casts, Surgical
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clubfoot / etiology
  • Clubfoot / physiopathology
  • Clubfoot / therapy*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Foot / physiopathology
  • Foot / surgery
  • Humans
  • Locomotion
  • Male
  • Muscular Dystrophies / complications
  • Muscular Dystrophies / therapy*
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Splints
  • Tendons / surgery