Surgical correction of foot deformities after stroke.

Of 104 patients with corrective surgery for foot deformities subsequent to a cerebrovascular accident from 1980 until 1983, 53 patients returned for clinical examination and 22 patients were evaluated by questionnaire and telephone interview. The average follow-up period was 6.4 years. The operative techniques were tenotomy of the toe flexors for hammer-toe deformity, lengthening of the aponeurosis of the gastrocnemius for equinus deformity, and transfer of the anterior tibial tendon or the posterior tibial tendon or the long toe flexors for varus deformity. In 74% of patients, correction was maintained; 79% did not use an orthosis; 51% could bathe unassisted; and 76% were satisfied with the results. The ability to walk was related to the degree of paralysis, the age of the patient at surgery, and the walking speed at discharge.