Dynamic electromyography analysis of habitual toe-walkers.

The distinction between congenital short tendo calcaneus and mild cerebral palsy may often be difficult to ascertain by standard physical examination. Dynamic electromyography (EMG) was used to study the muscular activity during walking of four children who had a clinical diagnosis of congenital short tendo calcaneus. Two children displayed EMG evidence of cerebral palsy, while two had studies similar to normal children walking on their toes. Dynamic EMG may be a useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of children with toe-walking.