Validation of a New Device for Measuring Isolated Gastrocnemius Contracture and Evaluation of the Reliability of the Silfverskiöld Test

Background:Important aspects on the diagnostics of isolated gastrocnemius contractures (IGCs) have been poorly described. This study was designed to validate a new ankle range of motion (ROM) measuring device for diagnosing an IGC. In addition, we wanted to investigate the reliability of the clinical Silfverskiold test.Methods:Twelve health care personnel (24 feet) were examined by 4 testers on 3 different occasions for the reliability testing of the new ankle ROM measuring device. The same participants were examined using the Silfverskiold test to examine the reliability of the clinical test. Eleven patients (15 feet) with IGC were examined before gastrocnemius recession, immediately after surgery, and 3 months after surgery to examine the validity and responsiveness of the ankle ROM device.Results:An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) >0.85 was found for both inter- and intrarater reliability for the new ankle ROM device. The device confirmed an IGC in 13 of 15 feet before surgery and 3 of 13 feet...