Preoperative and postoperative dynamic electromyography as an aid in planning tendon transfers in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Electromyography was used to supplement clinical evaluation in planning tendon transfers in twenty-four children with cerebral palsy. Sixteen flexible deformities of the hind part of the foot, four internally rotated lower limbs, and four flexible deformities of the forearm and wrist were studied. When deforming muscles were active exclusively in one portion of either the gait cycle or a function of an upper extremity, appropriate tendon transfers were performed. When continuous muscle activity was noted, tendon lengthening was utilized. The desired function was obtained in all twenty-four patients six months after operation.