Percutaneous elongation of the Achilles tendon in children with cerebral palsy.

From 1987 to 1990, 45 children with cerebral palsy underwent percutaneous elongation of the Achilles tendon (71 ankles); the mean age was 5.7 years. Most suffered from spastic diplegia or hemiplegia. A three-step cut technique was used, the limb immobilised in a long leg fiberglass cast and immediate weightbearing allowed. Follow up was from 2 to 5 years. Satisfactory results were obtained with significant improvement in walking in 89%.