Recovery Story Details

The patient, Li 6, a male from Chengdu, Sichuan, was born 32 weeks premature. Hypoxia at birth led to cerebral palsy, diagnosed as spastic diplegia. The main symptoms include bilateral foot inversion, walking on the outer edges of the feet, frequent falls, and an inability to run or jump.

Evaluation Results

• Bilateral calcaneal varus: left 15°, right 12° (normal is 0-5° valgus)
• Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion: Bilateral -10°
• Calf muscle tone: 2+ grade
• Gait analysis: Scissors gait, bilateral foot inversion, unstable stance phase.

Treatment Plan

1. Custom Orthotics: Bilateral ankle-foot orthoses with subtalar joint fixed in neutral position
2. Night SplintMaintain the ankle in a neutral position to prevent worsening of contractures.
3. Rehabilitation Training: Daily calf stretching to strengthen the tibialis anterior and peroneal muscles.
4. Botox injectionReduced muscle tone via gastrocnemius-soleus complex injection
5. Family Guidance: Parents learn correct pulling and training techniques

Treatment Progress

• Months 1-3: Adapted to the orthosis; muscle tone has decreased.
• Months 4-6: Foot alignment begins to improve; fewer falls.
• Months 7-9: Walks steadily up to 50 meters without falling
• Months 10-12: Normal gait, able to jog

Treatment Effect

• Bilateral calcaneal varus: Left 15°→5°, Right 12°→3°
• Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion: Bilateral -10° to +5°
• Gastrocnemius-soleus complex muscle tone: 2+ grade → 1 grade
• Gait: Scissoring gait → Near-normal gait
• Feature: Frequent falls → Stable walking and jogging