Glossary term
Plantarflexion
The movement of pointing the foot downward, away from the shin.
Updated 2026-03-010 aliases3 sourcesUsed across articles and safety pages
Definition
The movement of pointing the foot downward at the ankle joint. Excessive plantarflexion that becomes fixed is known as equinus contracture, a common complication of tibial lengthening.
Updated 2026-03-01
Sources
- Coglianese DB et al. - Physical therapy management of patients undergoing limb lengthening by distraction osteogenesisofficial_publicAccessed 2026-07-12
Foundational PT management plan for distraction osteogenesis. Emphasis on ROM in joints above and below the lengthening site.
- Muscle strength and knee ROM after femoral lengthening — Bhave A et al., Acta Orthopaedica, 2017official_publicAccessed 2026-02-28
Mean lengthening 5.2 cm. Knee flexion 126° → 55° during lengthening → near-preop at final follow-up. Quadriceps strength not significantly different.
- Stature Lengthening Surgery Overview — Paley Orthopedic & Spine Instituteofficial_publicAccessed 2026-02-28
PT required daily 5 days/week during distraction. Specialized on-site therapists.
Informational only. Not medical advice.