Non-invasive serial casting to treat idiopathic toe walking in an 18-month old child.
Non-invasive serial casting to treat idiopathic toe walking in an 18-month old child.
复制标题
非侵入性连续铸造治疗 18 个月大儿童特发性足趾行走。
DOI：
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发表时间：
2014
期刊：
影响因子：
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通讯作者：
M. Mandich
中科院分区：
文献类型：
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作者：
E. Pistilli;Tracy Rice;P. Pergami;M. Mandich
背景
BACKGROUND
Idiopathic toe walking is characterized by persistent toe walking in the absence of clinically diagnosed neuromuscular disease. Treatment options in children diagnosed with idiopathic toe walking include: observation, physical therapy, serial casting, or Achilles tendon (heel cord) lengthening surgery.
OBJECTIVE
In this case report, we present a non-invasive serial casting protocol to treat severe and persistent toe walking in an 18-month old child, diagnosed as an idiopathic toe walker following neurological examination.
METHODS
A series of below knee casts was used to provide a consistent stretch to the plantar flexor muscles. Upon removal of each set of casts, passive range of motion at the ankles was measured with a goniometer.
RESULTS
Four sets of casts, each lasting approximately one week, increased passive ankle dorsiflexion to 10° of neutral and established a heel-toe walking gait. Improvements in ankle range of motion and gait were maintained upon repeated examinations at 3, 7, and 12 months post-casting.
CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrate that non-invasive procedures, such as serial casting, can be successful in very young children diagnosed as idiopathic toe walkers. Early identification and intervention for this diagnosis may eliminate the need for invasive surgeries and associated risks in this population.