The Effects of Split Tibialis Anterior Tendon Transfer to the Peroneus Tertius for Equinovarus Foot in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: Evaluation with the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score

Authors : Osman Doğan, Baris Gorgun, Meltem Çelik, Ozan Ali Erdal, İlker Abdullah Sarıkaya, Muharrem Inan

Pages : 345-354

Doi:10.56061/fbujohs.1663980

View : 25 | Download : 53

Publication Date : 2025-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study aimed to objectively evaluate gait quality using the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EVGS) after Split Tibialis Anterior Tendon Transfer (STATT) for equinovarus deformity (ED) in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP). Children with UCP who underwent STATT for ED were followed, and data were collected based on the gait observed at the final follow-up. Gait outcomes were assessed using EVGS, and the significance of pre- and postoperative scores was determined. A total of 20 children with UCP were included, with a mean surgery age of 8.3±3.9 years. The mean follow-up period was 43 ± 14 months. Significant improvements were observed in total EVGS scores and specific gait parameters, including initial contact during stance phase, heel lift, maximum dorsiflexion during stance phase, hindfoot varus/valgus position in stance, foot rotation in stance, and maximum ankle dorsiflexion during swing (p <0.001). This study is the first to report the functional outcomes of STATT to the peroneus tertius in children with UCP and ED. Significant improvements in EVGS total scores and specific gait parameters were identified. These findings suggest that STATT improves gait function in children with UCP and may be a valuable surgical approach for managing ED.
Keywords : Serebral palsi, gözlemsel yürüme analizi, tibialis anterior, tendon transferi

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