Functional Gains in Children With Spastic Hemiplegia Following a Tendon Achilles Lengthening Using Computerized Adaptive Testing-A Pilot Study.

Purpose: This pilot study evaluated the outcomes of tendon Achilles lengthening in 12 children (mean age: 11.2 years) with spastic hemiplegia.

Methods: Cerebral Palsy Computer Adaptive Tests, the timed up-and-go, the Gross Motor Function Measure, the Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire, and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument were administered at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months postsurgery.

Results: Significant improvement at the latest follow-up (12-24 months following surgery) was seen in all domains of the Cerebral Palsy Computer Adaptive Test: activity ( P = .017), lower extremity ( P = .005), global ( P = .005), pain ( P = .005), and fatigue ( P = .028), as well as in the Gross Motor Function Measure-D domain ( P = .02) and the mobility domain of the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument ( P = .04).

Conclusion: These findings indicate that the tendon Achilles lengthening improved functional outcome in these children as measured by tests of physical function, walking speed, and activity performance.