[Split posterior tibial tendon transfer as a selected technique of treatment of spastic equino-varus deformity in children].

Equinovarus deformity is one of the most common deformities seen in patients with cerebral palsy. During years between 1993 and 2004 in 36 patients with cerebral palsy 46 operative procedures of split posterior tibial tendon transfer to peroneus brevis muscle were performed to correct varus deformity of the foot. Additionally equinus was corrected by lengthening lengtheninglengthening of the calcaneal tendon in 42 cases and in 4 cases by gastrocnemius recession according to Baker modification of Vulpius procedure. Children's age at the time of operation was between 3.5 and 16 years of age (average 7.5). In our cohort of 36 patients there were 10 cases of quadriplegia (28%), 12 cases of hemiplegia (33%), 12 cases of paraparesis inferior (33%) and 2 cases of monoplegia (6%). 25 patients with 34 operated feet (73.9%) reported for final examination. Follow-up period was from 18 months to 11 years (average 5.5 years). At final examination we evaluated clinical effectiveness of gait, passive and active range of movement, plantograms, and subjective evaluation of patient and patients' parents. Wearing of orthoses and orthopaedic footwear was noted. The results were divided into groups according to Green's classification. There were 67.6% of very good results, 23.6% of good results and 8.8% of poor results. Basing on our experience in treatment of spastic equinovarus deformity of the foot in children with cerebral palsy we stand, that split posterior tibial tendon transfer can bring good results and is a valuable surgical technique in treatment of equinovarus deformity.