Comparative Review of Surgical Treatment of the Idiopathic Clubfoot by Three Different Procedures at Columbus Childrenʼs Hospital

Abstract

Ninety-nine feet in 54 children were both clinically and roentgenographically evaluated following one of three different procedures of soft tissue clubfoot release. A new rating system that weights dynamic functional results more heavily was used to compare results. Roentgenographic complications included both over- and undercorrection at the talonavicular articulation, avascular necrosis of the talus, navicular, and calcaneus, and talar dome flattening. Recommendations concerning technical aspects of operative approach to clubfeet include (a) more physiologic orientation of the bimalleolar axis, (b) anatomic alignment at the talonavicular joint, and (c) use of the hinged ankle cast brace to increase final ankle range of motion (ROM).