Correction of Equinus Deformities in Cerebral Palsy

We reviewed the results of 32 equinus feet of 21 patients with cerebral palsy who were treated with selective posterior release between 1991 and 1996. The mean age at surgery was 14.1 years and the postoperative follow-up period averaged 32.5 months. In addition to the selective posterior release, 24 feet of 14 patients received plantar release, and 7 patients with severe equinus deformities received Achilles tendon lengthening using White's method. Four feet of two patients showed recurrence (recurrence rate, 12.5%).Locomotion was improved in eight patients, unchanged in 13 patients, and worse in none. No patients newly developed a crouching posture after surgery. Selective posterior release and plantar release are sufficent procedures for correction of equinus deformity caused by cerebral palsy.