Is spasticity always the same? An observational study comparing the features of spastic equinus foot in patients with chronic stroke and multiple sclerosis

Spasticity is common in stroke and multiple sclerosis. To treat spasticity we have a wide range of interventions, whose application may depend not only on the severity of spasticity but also on its etiology. Consequently, a better understanding of muscle spasticity in different neurological diseases may inform clinicians as to the more appropriate therapeutic approach. Our aim was to compare the clinical and ultrasonographic features of spastic equinus in patients with chronic stroke and multiple sclerosis. Thirty-eight patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis and 38 chronic stroke patients with spastic equinus were evaluated at the affected ankle according to the following outcomes: modified Ashworth scale, Tardieu scale, passive range of motion, spastic gastrocnemius muscle echo intensity and thickness. Affected calf muscles tone was significantly greater in patients with chronic stroke (modified Ashworth scale P = 0.008; Tardieu scale angle P = 0.004) as well as spastic gastrocnemius muscle echo intensity (P < 0.001). Affected ankle range of motion was significantly greater in patients with multiple sclerosis (P < 0.001) as well as spastic gastrocnemius muscle thickness (medialis: P = 0.003; lateralis: P = 0.004). Our findings evidenced that the same pattern of spasticity (equinus foot) has some different features according to its etiology. This may help the management of spasticity.