Pes Equinus in Healthy Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Pes equinus is associated with various pathologies and, generally speaking, appears frequently in healthy children and adolescents. The object of this study is to diagnose and treat pes equinus and, where possible, any associated pathologies. Methods: In a prospective study over a period of 10 months, 100 children or adolescents were examined and reviewed. The associated pathologies were multiple, usual or unexpected and sometimes associated: Calcaneus Apophysitis and Achille pain (42 cases), Idiopathic Toe Walking (22 cases), flexible flat feet (13 cases), chronic ankle instability and acute ankle sprains (12 cases), Hallux Valgus (8 cases), forefoot pain (7 cases). Associations are possible. Results: The equinus treated orthopedically (96 cases) or surgically (4 cases) steadily disappeared. The results of the treatment of the associated pathologies showed 56 healings, 16 improvements, 8 non improvements, 12 cases of insufficient follow-up, 11 cases were operated on or are going to be operated. Conclusion: In this cohort of 100 healthy children and adolescents, diagnosis and treatment resulted in healing in all cases of pes equinus as well as, in 72% of the cases, the healing or improvement of the associated pathologies.