Carbon Fiber Two-Pull Solid Ankle-Foot Orthoses versus Serial Casting in the Treatment of Idiopathic Toe Walking with Ankle Equinus Contracture

ABSTRACT Introduction Idiopathic toe walking (ITW) is a common pediatric diagnosis. Serial casting, a common treatment used for an ankle equinus contracture, may not be appropriate for all children. This pilot study investigated whether carbon fiber two-pull solid ankle-foot orthoses (CTP-AFOs) would have similar outcomes as serial casting in the treatment of children with a diagnosis of ITW and ankle equinus contracture. Materials and Methods Children with ITW (n = 35) were randomized to receive CTP-AFOs or serial casting. Assessments were at initial, posttreatment, and 4-month follow-up with therapy protocols until posttreatment. Results There was no statistical difference in active (<0.001) and passive (<0.001) dorsiflexion range of motion, the Observational Gait Scale (<0.001), the Pediatric Reach Test (<0.01) popliteal range of motion (<0.001), strength in dorsiflexion (<0.001) and plantarflexion (0.21), and the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (0.31). Both groups demonstrated significant improvement over time with therapeutic intervention performed by a physical therapist. Conclusions Carbon fiber two-pull solid ankle-foot orthoses are a noninferior alternative to serial casting in a population with ITW and ankle equinus contracture. Therapeutic interventions for treatment of ITW and ankle equinus contracture have demonstrated improvements in motor outcomes.