[Percutaneous aponeurotomy of the triceps surae muscle in cerebral palsy in children].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To assess the short-term results of percutaneous aponeurotomy of gastrocnemius including the possible complications and effects of the treatment.

MATERIAL: Totally 88 procedures were performed in 61 patients in the period 1998-2001. Re-examination in 2002 involved 44 patients with 66 procedures.

METHODS

The procedure was done from one-point incision. Six weeks immobilisation followed. Re-examination concerned the shape of the calf, the testing for palpable defect, US examination of calf muscles and aponeurosis, neurological and vascular examination.

RESULTS

Recurrence of mild degree of equinus deformity was found in 3 out from 66 procedures. No neurological or vascular complications were registered.

DISCUSSION: Rate of recurrence in this study is comparable with the figures after open aponeurotomy.

CONCLUSION

Operation is reserved for skilled surgeon, however in short future, most of operations on spastics will be done like video-assisted procedures.