Temporary tibial nerve block: adjunct to inhibitory plasters in the physiotherapy management of equinus in severely head injured children.

Spastic equinus, resulting from severe head injury in children, can greatly impede their rehabilitation. The use of a temporary tibial nerve block to negate the neurological component of the equinus, prior to the application of inhibitory plasters, is described and the rationale detailed. Subsequent physiotherapy management, including the application of the plasters, is discussed. Two clincal case studies are given to highlight the aspects involved.