SPLATT Combined with Tendo Achilles Lengthening for Spastic Equinovarus in Adults: Results and Predictors of Surgical Outcome

Abstract

During a 4-year period, split anterior tibial tendon transfer (SPLATT) was performed on 42 adults with cerebrospastic equinovarus deformity. Twenty-one patients (24 feet) had a minimum 1-year follow-up, which included detailed documentation of foot appearance position and function as well as ambulatory status. Thirteen patients were male and 8 were female. Average age of the patients was 41 years. Seventeen patients were independent ambulators with orthoses, one was a maximally assisted ambulator. Three patients with spastic quadriparesis were nonambulatory. All patients had uniform surgical technique and postoperative management. This paper presents the results of SPLATT and identifies risk factors for poor surgical outcomes. After an average follow-up of 39 months, 83% of the feet were rated as having good or excellent results. All ambulatory patients had improved gait and 35% of them were able to discontinue their orthoses. Poor surgical outcomes were associated with nonambulatory status in brain injured patients ( P = .018). Salvage of failed SPLATT is discussed.