Plantaris SxTargeting Plantaris Muscle-tendon Unit in Ankle Equinus Surgical Correction for Children

This study focuses on children who have a walking condition known as equinus gait, where the ability to flex the ankle upwards is reduced, often leading to walking on the toes. This condition can be linked to various causes such as cerebral palsy or idiopathic toe-walking. The study aims to explore how the plantaris muscle might be contributing to this issue. By understanding this, the study hopes to improve surgical methods used to correct ankle equinus, potentially allowing for less invasive surgeries and faster recovery times for children affected by this condition. In the study, children undergoing surgery for equinus contracture at the Stollery Children's Hospital will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will have the plantaris tendon addressed before other muscle lengthening procedures, while the second group will have it addressed after. Surgeons will measure the range of motion in the ankle at different stages during the surgery to evaluate the impact of the plantaris tendon on ankle movement. This careful measurement aims to determine if addressing the plantaris muscle first can improve surgical outcomes and reduce the need for more extensive procedures, making recovery easier for young patients.