Equinus
Pronunciation: eh-KWY-nus
A fixed or dynamic restriction of ankle dorsiflexion that results in the foot being held in a plantarflexed position during gait or at rest.
Full Definition
Equinus (from Latin, meaning 'horse-like') describes a condition in which the foot is pathologically plantarflexed due to contracture of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex, spasticity, bony block, or structural deformity. It is a major indication for ankle-foot orthosis prescription and a central concept in paediatric, neurological, and cerebral palsy orthotics. Dynamic equinus refers to a toe-walking pattern driven by spasticity, whereas structural equinus involves fixed soft-tissue or bony contracture. Editors should not use equinus as a synonym for simple tight calf muscles without clinical context, and should preserve the distinction between dynamic and structural forms when both are referenced in a document.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish between dynamic equinus (spasticity-driven, potentially correctable) and structural equinus (fixed contracture). 'Equinus' alone does not specify severity or aetiology; context must be provided.
In Context
- "Dynamic equinus secondary to spastic cerebral palsy was managed with a hinged AFO allowing assisted dorsiflexion." — Paediatric orthotics clinical note
- "The report distinguished dynamic from structural equinus, a distinction the editor should preserve in all revisions." — Manuscript revision comment