Sagittal knee kinematics following hamstring lengthening.

The purpose of this study was to analyze sagittal knee kinematics following hamstring lengthening. A retrospective analysis was performed of 16 children (32 knees) with cerebral palsy who underwent hamstring lengthening as an isolated surgical procedure. Gait analysis was performed prior to surgery and at a minimum of one year after surgery. Decreased stance maximum knee flexion, stance minimum knee flexion, swing maximum knee flexion, and swing minimum knee flexion were noted. Total knee excursion increased. The present study confirmed the previously reported increase in total knee excursion with decrease in stance minimum and swing maximum knee flexion after hamstring lengthening.