Final answer:
Equinus gait is the atypical gait pattern resulting from paralysis of the plantar flexors causing a dorsiflexor contracture. Patients with equinus gait walk on their heel due to the inability to properly plantar flex the foot.
Step-by-step explanation:
The atypical gait pattern resulting from paralysis of the plantar flexors causing a dorsiflexor contracture is known as equinus gait. In this gait pattern, the patient is unable to properly plantar flex the foot, so they compensate by walking on their heel. This gait pattern is commonly seen in conditions such as spastic diplegia, cerebral palsy, and stroke.