Article

Equinovarus foot deformity following stroke or traumatic brain injury
compromises walking capacity, interfering with activities of daily living. In
soft-tissue surgery the imbalanced muscles responsible for the deviant position
of the ankle and foot are lengthened, released and/or transferred. However,
knowledge about the effectiveness of surgical correction is limited. The aim of
the present study was to carry out a systematic review of the literature to
assess the effects of surgical correction of equinovarus foot deformity in
patients with stroke or traumatic brain injury. Methods: A systematic search of
full-length articles in the English, German or Dutch languages published from
1965 to March 2011 was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane and CIRRIE.
The identified studies were analysed following the International Classification
of Functioning, Disability and Health criteria. Results: A total of 15 case
series, case control and historically controlled studies (CEBM level 4) were
identified, suggesting that surgical correction of equinovarus foot deformity is
a safe procedure that is effective in terms of re-obtaining a balanced foot
position, improving walking capacity and diminishing the need for orthotic use.
Discussion: Further validation of surgical correction of equinovarus foot
deformity following stroke or traumatic brain injury is required, using higher
level study designs with validated assessment tools. Comparing surgical
techniques with other interventions is necessary to generate evidence upon which
treatment algorithms could be based.

Langue : ANGLAIS