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Topic:

Toe Walking

Issue:

Ankle

Category:

Developmental

Title:

Health-related Quality of Life in Idiopathic Toe Walkers: A Multicenter Prospective Cross-sectional Study

Author:

Morrow, Eileen MSc; Harris, Jennifer MSc; Gelfer, Yael PhD; Cashman, John FRCS(Tr&Orth); Kothari, Alpesh DPhil; FOOTT-UK Collaborators

Journal:

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics

Date:

April 2024

Reference:

44(4):p e357-e360, DOI: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002620

Level Of Evidence:

II

# of Patients:

157

Study Type:

Prospective cross-sectional observational study

Location:

12 pediatric orthopedic centers across the United Kingdom

Summary:

Investigates the impact of idiopathic toe walking (ITW) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and assesses the relationship between equinus contracture severity and HRQoL impairment. Measures HRQoL using the Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for Children and compares domain scores with healthy controls.

Methods:

Data collected from May to July 2022. Standardized proforma recorded demographics, duration of toe walking, ankle range of motion (Silfverskiold test), associated conditions (e.g., autism spectrum disorder or ADHD), and treatment details. HRQoL assessed using Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for Children and correlated with plantarflexion contracture severity using statistical methods.

Exclusions:

Not specified

Results:

ITW significantly reduced HRQoL across physical, school/play, and emotional domains compared to healthy controls. Moderate correlation noted between decreased passive ankle dorsiflexion and poorer physical domain scores. No significant HRQoL differences based on treatment groups.

Conclusions:

ITW negatively impacts HRQoL in physical, school/play, and emotional aspects. Greater equinus contracture severity is associated with worse physical HRQoL. The findings highlight the importance of addressing ITW not just as a physical condition but also its broader impact on well-being.

Relevance:

Limitations:

Perspective:

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