Talipes Equinovarus Treatment in Infants Treated by the Ponseti Method Compared With Posterior-Only Release: A Mid-Childhood Comparison of Results

The aim of this study is to evaluate children in middle childhood with clubfoot treated with Ponseti method vs posterior-only release and to compare their results to a control group with 4 modules (physical examination, gait study, radiographic measurements, and questionnaires). From 01/01/2004 until 01/01/2009, 31 children (45 feet) were treated with the posterior-only release protocol and 22 patients (34 feet) were treated with the Ponseti method. In 2016, patients were evaluated and compared with 25 children without neuromuscular disorders. Parents completed 3 outcome questionnaires. Radiographs evaluated residual deformity and osteoarthritis. A physical examination and a 3-dimensional gait analysis were performed to evaluate range of motion, kinematic, and kinetic data. Recurrence rate was similar between treatment groups; however, type of surgery to treat residual deformity was more aggressive in the posterior-only release (91% required major surgery), p = .024. Radiographic examination showed similar residual deformity with greater hindfoot varus in posterior-only release (68%), p = .02. Reduced cadence, increased stance dorsiflexion, calcaneus gait and forced eversion prior to swing were the main characteristics of gait in posterior-only release. Four (11%) feet treated with posterior-only release vs 11 (33%) feet treated with Ponseti method had a normal gait, p = .016. Our study showed that biomechanical function and long-term outcomes of children in middle childhood treated with the Ponseti method more closely compare with healthy individuals than those treated using posterior-only surgical technique.     

Radical soft-tissue release of the arthrogrypotic clubfoot

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of primary radical soft-tissue release of arthrogrypotic clubfeet in children less than 1 year of age. We performed a retrospective review of six patients (12 feet) who underwent radical release of clubfoot deformity. Primary surgery was performed at an average of 7.4 months and the average follow-up was 4.3 years. We graded our results using a modified functional clubfoot rating system. We had two excellent, four good, three fair and three poor results. Revision surgery was performed on one foot for residual equinus. All patients ambulated independently with orthoses. Our short-term results with primary radical release of clubfoot deformity in arthrogryposis in infants under 1 year of age have been very encouraging. Correction of hindfoot equinus is excellent, and the recurrence rate remains low. Salvage talectomy has not been necessary in this population of children.     

Posterolateral release for idiopathic clubfoot: review of 18 patients.

The authors treated and reviewed 18 patients with 26 idiopathic clubfeet by posterolateral release and elongation of the tendo Achillis at a mean age of 14.6 months (range 7-32 months). The mean follow-up of these patients was 43 months (range 6- 100 months). Function, appearance, and pain were studied. The mean ankle dorsiflexion was 20 degrees at the time of review. In all but one case, the hindfoot equinus had been well corrected. Subtalar movement was 75% of normal in six feet, and 50% of normal in 16 feet. Revision of the posterolateral release combined with anteromedial release was carried out for six patients with residual hindfoot varus and forefoot adduction at an average of 13.5 months following the initial procedure. In one patient, the deformity was overcorrected, but the results of the rest of the revision operations were otherwise good. No skin or wound problems were observed in this series. In conclusion, of 26 feet undergoing posterolateral release for severe clubfoot, 70% had a satisfactory result. Six feet required further surgery (reoperation rate of 23.1%).     

Talectomy in the treatment of resistant talipes equinovarus deformity in myelomeningocele and arthrogryposis

Eighteen patients (28 feet) with spina bifida and arthrogryposis had talectomy for correction of severe equinovarus deformity. In 26 feet, posteromedial release had been performed previously. The average age at surgery was 4 1/2 years, with a range of 1-9 years of age. The length of follow-up averaged 4 years and ranged from 12 months to 8 years. Twenty-three feet were rated good, and five were poor. Six feet, because of forefoot adduction, required further surgery (metatarsal osteotomy). Talectomy is an effective procedure for correction of hindfoot deformity. Forefoot problems must be treated as a separate entity.     

Treatment of severe residual clubfoot deformity by trans-midtarsal osteotomy.

This study reviews the preliminary results of transmidtarsal osteotomy performed on 11 patients (12 feet) who previously underwent surgery for resistant clubfoot and needed further surgery for severe residual deformities. Opening wedge medial cuneiform osteotomy, closing wedge cuboid osteotomy, and truncated wedge middle and lateral cuneiform osteotomy were performed. The procedure was performed initially on normal cadaver feet. The average improvement of anteroposterior talo-first metatarsal angle was 20 degrees and lateral calcaneo-first metatarsal angle was 16 degrees. The authors conclude that with this simple procedure, angular and rotational correction in three planes can be obtained simultaneously in severe residual clubfoot deformity without the need for extensive soft tissue release.     

Ponseti method in the treatment of post-operative relapsed idiopathic clubfoot after posteromedial release. A short term functional study

BackgroundRelapsed clubfeet deformity after surgical treatment by posteromedial release are frequently encountered in pediatric orthopedic practice and further revision surgery may be needed. As surgery adds more fibrosis and scaring, complication may be devastating and treatment is challenging. Ponseti method, the gold standard technique for treatment of clubfoot may be of a value in the management of postoperative relapses.Aim of the studyDetermine the effectiveness of Ponseti casting Method in treatment of relapsed idiopathic clubfoot in children after being treated with surgical posteromedial release.Materials and methodsProspective interventional study of 17 patients (25 feet) presented with a relapsed idiopathic clubfoot deformity after previous surgical posteromedial release. The patients were reviewed using Pirani and Dimeglio score. Ponseti method was done to obtain supple, flexible foot rather than a fully corrected foot, the residual deformity were treated by, heel cord lengthening or tenotomy, tibialis anterior transfer, follow up was for a minimum of 12 months.Result17 Patients (25 feet) their age ranging from 1 to 10 years were evaluated and treated. Casts were applied until the only deformities remaining were either hindfoot equinus and/or dynamic supination.22 feet required a heel cord procedure for equinus and 13 required tibialis anterior transfer for dynamic supination. The follow up (average 56.1 months) was for a minimum of one year. 4 feet had persistent heel varus deformity which required Calcaneal osteotomy later. Three feet didn’t need more casting and 2 feet were resistant cases that required further Ilizarov procedure, 4 needed lateral arch shortening and other 4 needed posterior capsulotomy. Improvement in the Pirani and Dimeglio scores was highly statistically significant.ConclusionPonseti method for treatment of relapsed clubfeet after a previous posteromedial soft tissue surgical release is an effective, non invasive, with excellent results.     

Results of surgical treatment of talipes equinovarus congenita

A series of 153 feet in 103 patients were surgically treated for idiopathic clubfeet (mean follow-up period of 10.3 years). Thirty-four percent had prior surgery before referral to the authors' institution. Functional results were excellent in 28.7%, good in 37.9%, fair in 13.1%, and unsatisfactory in 20.3%. The complication rate was 7.4%. Serious complications included translocation of os calcis, avascular necrosis of the talus, and injuries to neurovascular structures. Pain after strenuous activities was noted in 11.3% of the feet. In 9.8% of feet, limitation of activities was noted by the patients. Translocation of the hindfoot was associated with extensive subtalar release and often resulted in poor function. At operation, extensive subtalar release should only be performed with caution after failure of correction from release of other medial and posterior structures.     

Split tibialis posterior tendon transfer for correction of spastic equinovarus hindfoot deformity

Equinovarus hindfoot deformity is one of the most common deformities in children with spastic paralysis ; it is usually secondary to cerebral palsy. Split tibialis posterior tendon transfer is performed to balance the flexible spastic varus foot and is preferable to tibialis posterior lengthening, as the muscle does not loose its power and therefore the possibility of a valgus or calcaneovalgus deformity is diminished. We retrospectively evaluated 33 consecutive ambulant patients (38 feet) with flexible spastic varus hindfoot deformity. Twenty-eight presented unilateral and five bilateral involvement. The mean age at operation was 10.8 yrs (range 6-17) and the mean follow-up was 10; yrs (4-14). There were 20 hemiplegic feet, 11 diplegic and 7 quadriplegic. Eighteen feet also presented an equinus position of the hindfoot, requiring Achilles tendon lengthening. The surgical technique applied was similar to the one described by Green et al, with four skin incisions, two on either side of the foot and ankle. The evaluation of the results was carried out using Kling and Kaufer's clinical criteria. Results were graded excellent or good for 34 out of 38 feet (89.5%). Twenty feet were graded excellent, indicating that the children managed to walk with a plantigrade foot without fixed or postural deformity and did not have callosities. Fourteen feet were graded good in children who walked with less than 50,varus, valgus or equinus of the hindfoot and had no callosities. Four were graded poor, with recurrent equinovarus deformity. The feet with poor results presented a residual varus deformity due to intraoperative technical errors.     

Use of the Ponseti method for recurrent clubfoot following posteromedial release

Background:

A child with recurrent or incompletely corrected clubfoot after previous extensive soft tissue release is treated frequently with revision surgery. This leads to further scarring, pain and limitations in range of motion. We have utilized the Ponseti method of manipulation and casting and when indicated, tibialis anterior tendon transfer, instead of revision surgery for these cases.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review of all children treated since 2002 (n = 11) at our institution for recurrent or incompletely corrected clubfoot after previous extensive soft tissue release was done. Clinical and operative records were reviewed to determine procedure performed. Ponseti manipulation and casting were done until the clubfoot deformity was passively corrected. Based on the residual equinus and dynamic deformity, heel cord lengthening or tenotomy and tibialis anterior transfer were then done. Clinical outcomes regarding pain, function and activity were reviewed.

Results:

Eleven children (17 feet) with ages ranging from 1.1 to 8.4 years were treated with this protocol. All were correctable with the Ponseti method with one to eight casts. Casts were applied until the only deformities remaining were either or both hindfoot equinus and dynamic supination. Nine feet required a heel cord procedure for equinus and 15 required tibialis anterior transfer for dynamic supination. Seven children have follow-up greater than one year (average 27.1 months) and have had excellent results. Two patients had persistent hindfoot valgus which required hemiepiphyseodesis of the distal medial tibia.

Conclusion:

The Ponseti method, followed by tibialis anterior transfer and/or heel cord procedure when indicated, can be successfully used to correct recurrent clubfoot deformity in children treated with previous extensive soft tissue release. Early follow-up has shown correction without revision surgery. This treatment protocol prevents complications of stiffness, pain and difficulty in ambulating associated with multiple soft tissue releases for clubfeet.     

Occult subluxation of the subtalar joint in clubfoot (using computerized tomography)

Routine radiographic analysis does not visualize the posterior aspect of the hindfoot (posterior facet of the talocalcaneal joint). To help evaluate patients with persistent hindfoot abnormalities, computerized tomographic coronal sections in 22 clubfeet were studied. Seventeen feet (77.3%) had a lateral subluxation of the calcaneus. Of 14 feet with acceptable radiographic analysis, 12 (85.7%) had a lateral subluxation of the calcaneus. This study is evidence that a lateral subluxation of the calcaneus can exist, through a horizontal rotation, in the presence of acceptable radiographic analysis, reinforces the necessity for a posteromedial lateral release, and emphasizes that routine radiographic analysis should be supplemented with computerized tomography in evaluation of the resistant hindfoot deformity.     

Talectomy in patients with recurrent deformity in club foot. A long-term follow-up study

We reviewed 24 feet in 15 patients who had undergone talectomy for recurrent equinovarus deformity; 21 were associated with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, two with myelomeningocele and one with idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus. The mean follow-up was 20 years. Good results were achieved in eight feet (33%) in which further surgery was not needed and walking was painless; a fair result was obtained in ten feet (42%) in which further surgery for recurrence of a hindfoot deformity had been necessary but walking was painless; the remaining six feet (25%) were poor, with pain on walking. All patients wore normal shoes and could walk independently, except one who was wheelchair-bound because of other joint problems. Recurrent deformity, the development of tibiocalcaneal arthritis and spontaneous fusion of the tibia to the calcaneum were all seen in these patients.     

Posteroplantar release for congenital clubfoot in children younger than 1 year

One hundred thirty-three resistant congenital clubfeet in 93 patients between 3 and 10 months of age were operated on using a standardized posteroplantar release. Clinical and radiographic assessments were done with a mean followup of 7 years 4 months (range, 3-12 years). Using the McKay score, 79.7% of the surgically treated clubfeet were classified as having a good or excellent result. Three patients had relapse of their clubfoot that required additional surgery. Seventeen feet in 15 patients had residual forefoot adduction at the time of followup. The radiographs showed that the early posteroplantar release led to sufficient hindfoot correction in all but the three patients who had relapse of the clubfoot. With this standardized surgical treatment, satisfactory results can be achieved in most patients younger than 1 year with congenital clubfoot. However, in patients with persistent talonavicular subluxation after conservative treatment, an additional talonavicular release combined with the posteroplantar release is recommended.     

Talectomy for club foot in arthrogryposis

Talectomy was performed on 10 patients (15 feet) for club foot deformity in arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. These were reviewed after an average follow-up of eight years. At follow-up nine feet were plantigrade, and six had less than 15 degrees residual equinus at the ankle. All the feet were asymptomatic but had mild residual adduction of the forefoot and marked stiffness of the hindfoot. Seven feet developed spontaneous bony ankylosis in the tibiotarsal joint. The common technical errors were incomplete removal of the talus and incorrect positioning of the calcaneus in the ankle mortise.     

Surgical treatment of clubfoot: the significance of talocalcaneonavicular malposition correction

In a retrospective study on the surgical management of clubfoot based on clinical and radiographic assessments, 171 feet in 137 patients were reviewed. The surgical procedure was selected according to the degree of the deformity. The more severe cases (group A, 75 feet) were surgically treated according to Turco's one-stage posteromedial release, whereas the milder degrees of deformity (group B, 96 feet) were corrected by elongation of the Achilles tendon with posterior capsulotomy. The mean age of the patients at surgery was 12.5 months in group A and 5.2 months in group B. The mean follow-up time for both groups was 12.2 years. At follow-up, 24 feet (41%) in group A and 52 feet (68%) in group B required repeat surgery. In group A the results were good in 51 feet (68%), fair in 15 (20%), and poor in 9 (12%). In group B, good results were obtained in 44 feet (45%), barely satisfactory results in 25 (27%), and poor results in 27 (28%). It is suggested that the accurate correction of talocalcaneonavicular and calcaneocuboid malposition is a prerequisite for successful surgical treatment of clubfoot. There was a tendency for a better result in group A when the patients were surgically treated between 6 and 12 months of age.     

Hindfoot instability in cavovarus deformity: static and dynamic balancing

BACKGROUND: Chronic lateral ankle instability has been associated with varus deformity of the hindfoot, hyperactivity of the peroneus longus muscle, and insufficiency of the lateral ligaments. Many operative procedures have been described to correct this problem, but instability can recur if all contributing components are not treated. The purpose of this study was to offer an approach in the diagnosis and treatment of recurrent lateral ankle instability. METHODS: Eight consecutive patients (nine feet) were treated for recurrent chronic lateral ankle instability. The average age at surgery was 25 (range 8 to 37) years. All patients had prior operative procedures that failed and had persistent pain and functional instability of the ankle joint. After clinical and radiographic examination, lateralizing calcaneal osteotomy to correct the structured varus deformity and peroneus longus to peroneus brevis tendon transfer to add dynamic correction were done in all patients. A Brostr?m ligament reconstruction was added in four feet. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at an average followup of 37 months. Preoperatively and postoperatively patients were evaluated by means of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Score. RESULTS: All patients were satisfied with the operation. The overall AOFAS-Score improved from 57 points preoperatively to 87 points postoperatively. Hindfoot alignment was restored to a valgus position at final evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent chronic lateral ankle instability often is associated with chronic hindfoot malalignment and leads to functional impairment and patient discomfort. Clinical examination should determine the causes of instability. Varus malalignment of the hindfoot, hyperactivity of the peroneus longus muscle, and insufficiency of the lateral ligaments should be assessed and treated in a combined operative procedure to correct structured, static and dynamic components of the instability. The preliminary results of this particular approach are encouraging.     

Anterior tarsectomy for cavus foot. Retrospective study of 52 cases

The authors reviewed 34 patients treated by tarsectomy for idiopathic pes cavus deformity between 1977 and 1996. Fifty two feet were treated surgically. All patients had undergone previous conservative treatment. The average age was 40 years. Podoscopic examination revealed 24 cavus feet stage 2, 28 cavus feet stage 3, adduction of the forefoot in 15 cases and an equinus deformity in 8 cases. On radiographic examination, Djian-Annonier's angle was 108 degrees on average. All patients were evaluated with a minimum ot two years follow-up, according to the evaluation system of the Massachusetts General Hospital. With an average follow-up of six years and six months, overall results were; 65.5% very good and good, 21% fair, 13.5% poor. The morphological correction was poor in 9 cases. Djian-Annonier's angle was 125 degrees on average. A number of cavus feet do not justify surgical treatment, because they are well tolerated, sometimes with orthopedic orthoses. Tarsectomy must be avoided in neurological conditions. We do not advise release of soft tissue or Dwyer's calcaneal osteotomy. In our opinion, the choice indication for anterior tarsectomy is the nonrigid cavus foot. It must be combined with lengthening of the Achilles tendon when a deficit of dorsiflexion of the foot persists following tarsectomy. According to their importance, associated deformations will be treated in the same operative session or not.     

Evaluation of treatment outcome in congenital clubfoot by subtalar release]

This paper presents an analysis of the results of congenital clubfoot treatment by partial or complete subtalar release performed through the Cincinnati approach. Of 116 patients (142 feet) who underwent surgery in the years 1995-1996, 33 (47 feet) came in for final follow-up. The type of primary deformity was defined in only in 36 feet. There were 25 type II deformity and 1 type III deformity. Total subtalar release was performed in 39 feet. Partial subtalar release was performed in 8 feet. During the release procedure, the calcaneo-cuboid joint was not opened, but stabilized with a K-wire. Clinical results were assessed according to the Magone classification. Radiological results were assessed according to the modified criteria of Scientific Committee of the XXI Meeting of the Polish Orthopedic Society held in 1976. Talo-navicular reposition was assessed according to Napiontek. Follow-up time ranged from 40 to 54 months (mean: 48 months). The clinical assessment revealed that the analyzed group as a whole gave 82.2 points (yielding a good result). Very good results were noted in 12 feet (25%), good results in 21 (45%), satisfactory results in 7 (15%) and poor results in 7 (15%). Analysis of radiological results yielded on average 2.5 points (0-7 points). Good results were noted in 45 feet (96%) and satisfactory in 2 feet. A talo-calcaneal index of less than 55 degrees was noted in 23 feet.     

Totally absorbable screws in fixation of subtalar extra articular arthrodesis in children with spastic neuromuscular disease: preliminary report of a randomized prospective study of fourteen arthrodeses fixed with absorbable or metallic screws.

Seven patients with spastic neuromuscular disease and severe hindfoot valgus deformity were treated by subtalar arthrodesis. Arthrodesis was performed in both feet at the same operation and fixed on one side with a self-reinforced poly-L-lactide (SR-PLLA) screw, and with a standard AO screw on the other side. The functional status state was improved, and radiographic union of the arthrodesis occurred in all feet. The radiograph showed better solid fusion in five feet treated with PLLA screws, similar fusion in both sides in one patient, and one slower fusion in the side treated initially with a PLLA screw. Totally absorbable SR-PLLA screws appear to be firm enough for fixation of subtalar extraarticular arthrodesis in children.     

有限矫形手术与Ilizarov技术治疗青少年先天性马蹄内翻足

目的观察应用有限矫形手术与Ilizarov技术治疗青少年先天性马蹄内翻足(congenital clubfoot,CCF)的临床疗效,探讨CCF外科矫正与功能重建新技术、新理念。方法 2003年9月-2010年7月,收治25例40足青少年CCF。男14例20足,女11例20足;年龄12～25岁,平均15.7岁。左足4例,右足6例,双足15例。根据秦氏马蹄内翻足畸形分度:Ⅰ度9足,Ⅱ度17足,Ⅲ度14足。合并小腿内旋畸形9足,右侧髋关节半脱位1例。采用有限软组织松解与骨性截骨手术后,9足Ⅰ度畸形者安装组合式外固定器,31足残留畸形安装Ilizarov外固定牵伸器。术后5～7 d开始矫正,以0.5～1.0 mm/d为宜;待踝关节矫正至过伸5～10°,足呈轻度外翻后停止牵伸,矫正位携带外固定架并负重行走4～6周。双足畸形患者分两期进行手术,手术间隔3～6个月,平均4个月。结果 9足术后佩戴组合式外固定器6～12周,平均8周;31足佩戴Ilizarov外固定牵伸器6～17周,平均13周。患者均获随访,随访时间8个月～6年,平均37个月。牵拉矫形期间6例6足发生针道轻度感染,均经对症处理后感染消失。术后2年1例1足畸形部分复发,经再次安装Ilizarov外固定牵伸器负重行走4周,矫正满意;其余畸形足在随访期内均获得满意矫正和全足底持重。末次随访时根据国际马蹄足畸形研究会(ICFSG)的评分系统,获优28足,良10足,可2足,优良率95%。结论有限矫形手术结合Ilizarov技术矫治青少年CCF,符合生物学原理和微创外科原则,安全、微创、疗效确切。该马蹄内翻足手术矫形策略遵循骨科自然重建理念,尤其适用于传统矫形骨科手术难以治疗的Ⅲ度CCF。     

The role of posterior release in the treatment program for congenital clubfoot]

The aim of this paper was to assess the utility of this procedure and to define it's role in treatment of congenital clubfeet. The material comprises 123 children, among whom 154 feet were treated by posterior release. The age of the patients ranged from 5 to 36 months (average age: 16 months). The procedure involved the lengthening of the Achilles tendon in the sagittal plane, partial resection or transverse dissection of the articular capsule of the ankle joint. In selected cases lengthening of the tendon of the extensor hallucis muscle was performed and sometimes of the posticus muscle. The described procedure was performed in all cases where all forefoot components of the deformity were found, as well as an equines position of the foot. A group of 87 patients (70.7%), among whom posterior release was performed in 101 feet (65.6%). The follow-up time ranged from 5 to 15 years (average: 12.3 years). Results were assessed according to the classification by Magone et al. Very good results (95-100 points) were achieved in 27 feet (26.8%), good results (80-89 points) were found in 40 feet (39.6%), satisfactory (70-79 points) in 25 feet (24.7%), and bad results (less than 70 points) in 9 feet (8.9%). Basing on their own experience the authors' believe this procedure is very useful in treatment of congenital clubfeet. It's therapeutic usefulness is at it's best when deformities of the forefoot have been conservatively corrected. The extent of posterior release depends on the severity of the deformity.