Effect of the neuro-orthopedic surgery for spastic equinovarus foot after stroke: a prospective longitudinal study based on a goal-centered approach.

Background: Neuro-orthopedic surgery is recognized as an effective treatment to improve walking capacity in case of spastic equinovarus foot. However, the effect of surgery on the 3 domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) has never been studied.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the neuro-orthopedic surgery for spastic equinovarus foot after stroke based on a goal-centered approach and on the 3 domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Design: Prospective, single blind, case-series, intervention study (before-after trial) with a 1-year follow-up.

Setting: University Hospital of Mont-Godinne.

Population: Eighteen hemiplegic patients with spastic equinovarus foot.

Methods: A selective tibial neurotomy and/or an Achille tendon lengthening, and/or a tibialis anterior tendon transfer were performed to correct a disabling SEF. The primary outcome measure was the goal attainment scale. The secondary outcome measures included body function and structure (spasticity, strength, range of motion, pain, gait speed, ankle kinematics), activities (walking aids, functional ambulation category, functional walking category, ABILOCO) and social participation and quality of life (Satispart-Stroke, SF-36) assessment before and 2 months and 1 year after surgery.

Results: An increase in the goal attainment scale score, in the body function and activity/participation domains of the ICF, a decrease in triceps spasticity and pain, an increase in ankle range of motion and gait speed, an improvement in equinus and a reduction in walking aids were observed.

Conclusions: This study confirms the efficacy of the neuro-orthopedic surgical treatment of spastic equinovarus foot after stroke to improve walking capacities and to achieve personal goals in the body function and activity/participation domains of the ICF.

Clinical Rehabilitation Impact: In case of post-stroke spastic foot, a personalized neuro-orthopedic surgical program including neurotomy, tendon lengthening and/or transfer improves patient-centered goals in the different domains of the ICF.