The use of TheraTogs versus twister cables in the treatment of in-toeing during gait in a child with spina bifida.

PURPOSE: To present the effects of TheraTogs and twister cables (TCs) on in-toeing during gait in a child with spina bifida while comparing overall parent and patient satisfaction.

CASE DESCRIPTION: The participant was a 2-year-old girl with L4 spina bifida with bilateral in-toeing during gait.

INTERVENTION: The child was given a 6-week intervention of TheraTogs followed by 6 weeks of TCs.

OUTCOMES: Kinematic data indicated optimal foot progression with the use of TCs, achieved by the rotation of the lower leg. Gait data for the use of TheraTogs indicated improved foot progression with external rotation at the hips. Gait characteristics indicated improved gait velocity in TheraTogs, but stride length was better with TCs. The parent reported satisfaction and preference for TheraTogs.

CONCLUSION

As the first step in investigating the 2 interventions, both TheraTogs and TCs were effective in management of in-toeing for the child but parental preference favored TheraTogs.