Citation

Kaneuchi Y, Otoshi KI, Hakozaki M, Watanabe K, Konno SI. J. Foot Ankle Surg. 2020; 59(4): 816-820.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1053/j.jfas.2019.10.004

PMID

32600565

Abstract

Two main causes of gastrocnemius contracture have been considered: 1) congenital deformities in pediatric patients, such as limb-length discrepancy, cerebral palsy, flatfoot, and clubfoot; and 2) secondary conditions such as immobilization for trauma or a nonfunctional limb. Talipes equinus deformity caused by fibrous gastrocnemius contracture after a direct muscle contusion is extremely rare. We describe 2 cases of talipes equinus deformity caused by fibrous gastrocnemius muscle contracture after a direct contusion in football players. Both of the players had a talipes equinus deformity with a severe restriction of ankle dorsiflexion, and a cord-like structure was observed at the proximal part of the lateral gastrocnemius head. Both patients' histological examinations revealed fibrous tendon-like tissue within the structure. After discission of the cord-like structures, the restriction of ankle dorsiflexion was completely resolved, and the patients were able to fully return to playing football [soccer] without any discomfort in their calves.

Language: en

Keywords

contusion; fibrous muscle contracture; football player; gastrocnemius muscle; talipes equinus