Evaluation of pathologic abnormalities of clubfoot by magnetic resonance imaging

Three-dimensional analyses of clubfoot in infants younger than 1 year of age were done using magnetic resonance imaging in an in vivo study. Twenty-one patients (31 feet) with congenital clubfoot were examined. The average age at examination was 8.6 months (range, 4-12 months). All patients originally were treated using corrective casts. Seventeen feet required complete subtalar release operations and the remaining 14 feet were treated conservatively with various orthoses. Four measurements using magnetic resonance imaging were performed in the transverse and coronal planes as follows: the calcaneus adduction angle, to define the degree of medial rotation of the calcaneus in the transverse plane; the navicular angle, to define the degree of medial displacement of the navicular; the talus neck angle, to define the degree of medial angulation of the talus; and the calcaneus shift index, to define the degree of medial shift of the calcaneus beneath the talar head in the coronal plane. In the results, all four measurements of clubfoot on magnetic resonance imaging were statistically different from those of normal feet. In the surgical group there were statistical differences in the calcaneus adduction angle, the navicular angle, and the calcaneus shift index (including two feet of patients whose parents had rejected proposed treatment), compared with the conservative group, but there was no statistical difference in the talus neck angle. Magnetic resonance imaging could delineate the three-dimensional abnormalities of the tarsal bones in clubfoot and quantitatively evaluate the severity of clubfoot.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of severe idiopathic club foot treated with one-week accelerated Ponseti (OWAP) technique

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate changes in tarsal bones relationship after the use of one week accelerated Ponseti method in the treatment of severe idiopathic clubfoot using MRI. We hypothesize that one-week accelerated Ponseti is at least as effective as standard techniques in achieving the desirable MRI parameters.MethodsThis is a prospective study of 8 children with severe idiopathic clubfeet (Pirani 6) (4 unilateral and 4 bilateral) treated before the age of three months with one-week accelerated Ponseti technique, as described in a former study with minimum 2-year follow-up. The 8 corrected feet were compared with the 4 unilateral normal feet at clinical and radiological levels using a Pirani scoring system and an MRI, respectively.ResultsClinical results showed that Pirani score was 1.1 in the last follow up in comparison to Pirani 6 pretreatment (p < 0.05). MRI results indicated that the malleocalcaneal angle, axial malleocalcaneal index, coronal tibiocalcaneal angle, sagittal talocalcaneal angle, and talar head neck calcaneal rotation showed statistical difference between the two groups (p < 0.05). Sagittal malleocalcaneal index, sagittal tibiocalcaneal angle, talar head neck rotation related to talar body, and posterior calcaneal rotation showed no statistical difference between normal feet and clubfeet after correction (p value >0.05).ConclusionOne-week accelerated Ponseti technique showed to be as effective and safe as other treatment methods through clinical and MRI follow up data. MRI role was to confirm the efficiency of this innovative accelerated technique, but not used as a routine follow up.     

Radiography and sonography of clubfoot: A comparative study

Background:

Congenital talipes equinovarus is a common foot deformity afflicting children with reported incidence varying from 0.9/1000 to 7/1000 in various populations. The success reported with Ponseti method when started at an early age requires an imaging modality to quantitate the deformity. Sonography being a radiation free, easily available non-invasive imaging has been investigated for this purpose. Various studies have described the sonographic anatomy of normal neonatal foot and clubfoot and correlated the degree of severity with trends in sonographic measurements. However, none of these studies have correlated clinical, radiographic and sonographic parameters of all the component deformities in clubfoot. The present study aims to compare the radiographic and sonographic parameters in various grades of clubfoot.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-one children with unilateral clubfoot were examined clinically and graded according to the Demeglio system of classification of clubfoot severity. Antero-posterior (AP) and lateral radiographs of both normal and affected feet were obtained in maximum correction and AP talo-calcaneal (T-C), AP talo-first metatarsal (TMT) and lateral T-C angles were measured. Sonographic examination was done in medial, lateral, dorsal and posterior projections of both feet in static neutral position and after Ponseti manouever in the position of maximum correctability in dynamic sonography. Normal foot was taken as control in all cases. The sonographic parameters measured were as follows : Medial malleolar- navicular distance (MMN) and medial soft tissue thickness (STT) on medial projection, calcaneo-cuboid (C-C) distance, calcaneo-cuboid (C-C) angle and maximum length of calcaneus on lateral projection, length of talus on dorsal projection; and tibiocalcaneal (T-C) distance, posterior soft tissue thickness and length of tendoachilles on posterior projection. Also, medial displacement of navicular relative to talus, mobility of talonavicular joint (medial view); reducibility of C-C mal alignment (lateral view); talonavicular relation with respect to dorsal/ ventral displacement of navicular (dorsal view) and reduction of talus within the ankle mortise (posterior view) were subjectively assessed while performing dynamic sonography. Various radiographic and sonographic parameters were correlated with clinical grades.

Results:

MMN distance and STT measured on medial view, C-C distance and C-C angle measured on lateral view and tibiocalcaneal distance measured on posterior view showed statistically significant difference between cases and controls. A significant correlation was evident between sonographic parameters and clinical grades of relevant components of clubfoot. All radiographic angles except AP T-C angle were significantly different between cases and controls. However, they did not show correlation with clinical degree of severity.

Conclusion:

All radiographic angles except AP T-C angle and sonographic parameters varied significantly between cases and controls. However, radiographic parameters did not correlate well with clubfoot severity. In contrast, sonography not only assessed all components of clubfoot comprehensively but also the sonographic parameters correlated well with the severity of these components. Thus, we conclude that sonography is a superior, radiation free imaging modality for clubfoot.     

MRI study of talonavicular alignment in club foot

We studied in vivo the talonavicular alignment of club foot in infants using MRI. We examined 26 patients (36 feet) with congenital club foot. The mean age at examination was 9.0 months (4 to 12). All analyses used MRI of the earliest cartilaginous development of the tarsal bones in the transverse plane, rather than the ossific nucleus. The difference in the mean talar neck angle (44.0 +/- 8.1 degrees) in club foot was statistically significant (p < 0.001) when compared with that of the normal foot (30.8 +/- 5.5 degrees). The difference between the mean angles in the group treated by operation (47.9 +/- 6.7 degrees) and those treated conservatively (40.1 +/- 7.5 degrees) was also statistically significant. The anatomical relationship between the head of the talus and the navicular was divided into two patterns, based on the position of the mid-point of the navicular related to the long axis of the head. In the operative group, 18 feet were classified as having a medial shift of the navicular and none had a lateral shift. In the conservative group, 12 showed a medial shift of the navicular and six a lateral shift. All nine unaffected normal feet in which satisfactory MRI measurements were made showed a lateral shift of the navicular. Club feet had a larger talar neck angle and a more medially deviated navicular when compared with normal feet. This was more marked in the surgical group than in the conservative group.     

Alterated talar and navicular bone morphology is associated with pes planus deformity: A CT‐scan study

We compared bone and articular morphology of the talus and navicular in clinically diagnosed flatfeet and evaluated their potential contribution to talo‐navicular joint instability. We used CT images to develop 3D models of talus and navicular bones of 10 clinically diagnosed flatfeet and 15 non‐flatfeet. We quantified their global bone dimensions, inclination and dimensions of the articular surfaces and their curvatures. Additionally, ratios of six talar and navicular dimensions were calculated. The values for these parameters were then compared between both groups. In flatfeet, the talar head faced more proximal and its width was larger compared to non‐flatfeet. Also the navicular cup faced more proximal and its depth was significantly increased. Furthermore, we observed a more protruding talar head compared to the navicular cup in the control group with the articular surface depth being relatively larger for the navicular cups when compared to the talus in flatfeet. The ratio of the talar and navicular articular surface height was decreased in flatfeet, suggesting increased height of navicular cups relative to the articulating talar heads. Our results show that flatfoot deformity is associated with morphological changes of talar and navicular articular surfaces that can favor medial arch collapse and forefoot abduction. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 282–287, 2013     

Eccentric ankle arthritis in the sagittal plane: a novel description of anterior and posterior ankle arthritis

BackgroundTo report radiographic characteristics of anterior and posterior ankle arthritis, which demonstrates the eccentric narrowing of either aspect of the tibiotalar joint in the sagittal plane.MethodsRadiographic analysis of 19 ankles with anterior arthritis and 16 ankles with posterior arthritis was performed, which were defined as having both (1) eccentric narrowing of the anterior or posterior tibiotalar joint space on lateral radiographs and (2) talar tilt angle less than 4 degrees on anteroposterior radiographs. Measured radiographic parameters were: Talar tilt angle, medial distal tibial angle (MDTA), talar center migration (TCM), anterior distal tibial angle (ADTA), tibial axis-to-talus ratio (TT ratio), talo-first metatarsal (Meary) angle, hindfoot alignment angle (HAA), hindfoot moment arm, and mechanical axis deviation (MAD). An Intergroup comparison analysis, including a normal control group, was also performed.ResultsThe TT ratio was significantly different between each group, indicating a distinct talus position in the sagittal plane. The anterior group had a significantly larger TCM than the control group and lower ADTA compared to other groups, indicating medial translation of the talus and anterior opening of the tibial plafond. The posterior group demonstrated a significantly higher Meary angle and lower HAA compared to other groups and lower MDTA compared to the control group, indicating lower medial longitudinal arch, valgus heel alignment, and varus tibial plafond. The MAD was significantly higher in both the anterior and posterior groups than the control group, indicating varus lower limb alignment.ConclusionAnterior ankle arthritis demonstrated anteromedial translation of the talus and anterior opening of the tibial plafond. Posterior ankle arthritis was associated with the lower medial longitudinal arch and hindfoot valgus, indicating an association with flatfoot deformity. Both anterior and posterior ankle arthritis were associated with varus lower limb alignment.     

Minimal-invasive Therapieverfahren angeborener Fußdeformitäten im Säuglingsalter

In the last decade treatment of foot deformities has changed from extensive surgery to casting and minimally invasive surgery. The Ponseti method has become the most preferred treatment for clubfoot deformities and early evaluations showed promising results. Mid-term results for idiopathic clubfoot revealed the need for additional surgery by anterior tibial tendon transfer in 11–32?% of cases depending on the duration of bracing. Anterior tibial tendon transfer is the most important surgical procedure for relapses in the Ponseti concept. Casting, recasting in cases of relapses, bracing and anterior tibial tendon transfer altogether represent the Ponseti method and cannot be considered as single entities. The Dobbs method is a new concept for the treatment of vertical talus. Treatment of vertical talus should start with the Dobbs method but in comparison to clubfoot treatment there has not been a complete change to minimally invasive treatment. Especially in non-idiopathic vertical talus cases open reduction of the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joint are often necessary.     

急诊经内踝截骨入路治疗距骨颈骨折合并距骨体脱位

目的：探讨急诊经内踝截骨入路治疗距骨颈骨折合并距骨体脱位的疗效。方法：1995年6月至2007年10月收治24例距骨颈骨折合并距骨体脱位患者,男18例,女6例;年龄28～58岁,平均35.4岁。伤后到就诊时间0.5～12h。右侧15例,左侧9例;闭合伤22例,开放性创伤2例。均在入院后5h内采用急诊经内踝截骨入路整复固定。结果：24例均获随访,时间6～60个月,采用Kenwright评定标准,优18例,良4例,可2例,差0例。结论：急诊经内踝截骨手术入路,操作简单,显露清楚,复位固定容易,对距骨血运破坏小,是治疗距骨颈骨折合并距骨体脱位,降低距骨坏死率的有效方法。     

Clinico-sonographical evaluation of idiopathic clubfoot and its correction by Ponseti method — A prospective study

BackgroundObjective evaluation of infant with clubfoot is required as conventional imaging modality is of limited usefulness. Ultrasound shows to be a promising technique for assessing deformity and monitoring of clubfoot correction.AimStudy was done to evaluate the deformity sonographically; to assess the changes in these parameters after treatment by Ponseti method and to correlate these ultrasonographic variables with clinical Pirani score.Materials and methods82 feet in 54 children were observed. Clinical assessment was done using Pirani six point system and ultrasound machine with 7.5–12 MHz linear transducer was used to measure several parameters and data obtained was assessed to derive correlation between sonographic parameters and clinical system.ResultsMedial malleolus navicular distance (MMN) measured on medial view, calcaneo-cuboid distance (CCD) and calcaneo-cuboid angle (CCA) measured on lateral view, talar length (TAL) measured on dorsal view and tibio-calcaneal distance (TCL) measured on posterior view showed statistical significance. Sonographic parameters correlated statistically with Pirani scoring system on measuring Pearson correlation coefficient.ConclusionUltrasound is a relatively simple, non invasive and widely available procedure that can improve pathomorphological documentation of nonossified clubfoot and its correction.Level of evidenceLevel II prospective study, as per guidelines for authors.     

Volume of tarsal bones in congenital clubfoot

To elucidate the growth of the tarsal bones in congenital clubfoot, relative to the growth of these bones in the unaffected feet and compared to growth in the feet of normal volunteers, we used a computed tomography (CT) scanner to measure the volume of all tarsal bones. The subjects of the study were 10 adults (7 men and 3 women) with unilateral congenital clubfoot (average age 20 years and 1 month). As controls, we examined 11 healthy volunteers. We calculated the ratio of the volume of each tarsal bone to the total bone volume and the ratio of the volume of each tarsal bone in clubfoot to the corresponding bone in the unaffected foot. The volume ratio of each tarsal bone was compared between clubfeet and unaffected feet because the differences of each tarsal bone ratio between the normal foot group and unaffected foot group were not significant. In the clubfeet (n=10), the talus and the medial cuneiform bones were smaller than those in the unaffected feet (n=10) but the cuboid bone was larger. The growth of the navicular did not differ from as that in unaffected feet. Our results suggested hypoplasia on the medial side of the foot in adult patients with congenital clubfoot. The 3 patients who had undergone medial release showed particularly marked hypoplasia of the medial side. In congenital clubfoot cases with severe deformities who had undergone wide soft-tissue release operations, there were clear growth suppressions in the talus and the medial cuneiform. We could not determine whether the cause of the growth suppression was the hypoplastic nature of tarsal bones themselves or the surgical obstacles to tarsal bone growth.     

Ultrasound evaluation of clubfoot correction during Ponseti treatment: a preliminary report

BACKGROUND: The Ponseti method of manipulation is widely used in the treatment of clubfoot. Monitoring of correction is usually based on clinical judgment, and there is a need for an objective method of evaluation. The small bones of the newborn foot are essentially cartilaginous and can be visualized well on sonography as against radiographs. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 32 clubfeet (26 subjects; age range, 12 days to 3 months) using ultrasound. Sonography was performed using the coronal medial projection at the start of treatment, when midfoot Pirani score was zero (foot fully abducted), and at the end of treatment. The medial malleolus to navicular distance and the talo-cuneiform angle were measured with foot position at rest and during the simulated Ponseti maneuver. The normal feet in unilateral cases served as controls. RESULTS: With the Ponseti method of manipulation, there was a significant increase in the medial malleolus to navicular distance and improvement in the talo-cuneiform angle at the end of treatment, when compared with the pretreatment values (P < 0.001). All feet were clinically well corrected. However, 5 feet (15%) showed a "spurious correction," which was only detected on ultrasound. This was identified by the fact that the navicular was not fully reduced over the head of the talus, and there was a break in the naviculo-cuneiform joint. It was difficult to predict which feet were likely to develop a spurious correction, although the 5 feet in our study were stiffer, more severely deformed, and showed less correction on initial manipulation as compared with the feet that corrected well. CONCLUSIONS: Clubfoot correction during serial manipulation can be monitored using sonography. An accurate realignment of the talo-navicular joint can be demonstrated, and presence of spurious correction can be detected early.     

Talonavicular joint coverage and bone morphology between different foot types

This study explored three dimensional (3D) talonavicular joint (TNJ) coverage/orientation and bone morphology to reveal parameters that could classify and identify predispositions to cavus and planus feet. 3D models of 65 feet from 40 subjects were generated from computed tomography images classified as pes cavus, neutrally aligned, or asymptomatic/symptomatic pes planus. We calculated the talar and navicular overlap (TNJ coverage). We also measured orientation of the navicular, morphological parameters of the talus and navicular, and angular position of the talar head to body. Pes cavus showed significantly less talonavicular coverage (58 ± 2% talus and 86 ± 2% navicular) compared to asymptomatic pes planus (63 ± 2% and 95 ± 2%) and neutrally aligned feet (98 ± 2% navicular), and significantly more navicular dorsiflexion and adduction relative to the talus (p < 0.0083). The talar head in cavus feet was inverted relative to the body compared to planus feet (p < 0.0083). For symptomatic pes planus, significant abduction was measured for the navicular relative to the talus and the talar head was plantar flexed relative to the body (p < 0.0083). The talar head in planus feet was everted relative to the body compared to neutrally aligned feet. Both intrinsic (bone morphology) and extrinsic (bone position) differences exist in groups of feet described as cavus and planus. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:958–966, 2014.     

Treatment of Chopart Fracture-Dislocations

The Chopart articular space was used by Fran?ois Chopart (1743–1795) as a practical space for amputation in cases of distal foot tumor. It corresponds to the center of the foot and allows for essential articulation by means of the talo-calcaneo-navicular joint (coxa pedis). Chopart fracture-dislocations may therefore include fractures of the navicular, the cuboid, the talus, and calcaneus. The treatment priorities should therefore include addressing all of the injured soft tissues by immediate joint reduction or restoring bony alignment, including the avoidance of threatening compartment syndromes. Subsequent anatomical bone and joint reconstruction, if possible, should first address the talar head and the navicular. The anterior process of the calcaneus and the cuboid should be aligned to preserve foot alignment in the sagittal and horizontal planes. In severe joint destructions, isolated fusion of the calcaneo-cuboidal joint may help preserve functional mobility of the foot. Isolated or associated talo-navicular fusion considerably limits functional mobility of the foot.     

Which surgical approach is optimal for joint preparation in talonavicular fusion — A cadaver study

BackgroundFusion of the talonavicular joint has proven challenging in literature. The optimal surgical approach for talonavicular arthrodesis is still uncertain. This study compares the amount of physical joint preparation between dorsal and medial approaches to the talonavicular joint.MethodsTwenty fresh frozen cadaver specimens were randomly assigned to receive either a dorsal or medial operative approach to the talonavicular joint. The joint surface was prepared, and the joint was disarticulated. Image analysis, using ImageJ, was performed by two blinded reviewers to assess the joint surface preparation and this was compared by surgical approach.ResultsThe dorsal approach had a higher median percentage of talar and total talonavicular joint surface area prepared (75% vs. 59% (p = .007) and 82% vs. 70% (p = .005)). Irrespective of approach, the talus was significantly more difficult to prepare than the navicular (62% vs 88% (p = .001)).ConclusionThe dorsal approach provides superior talonavicular joint preparation. The lateral ¼th of the talar head was the most difficult surface to prepare, and surgeons performing double or triple arthrodesis may prepare the lateral talar head from the lateral approach.Level of evidenceLevel V.     

Tarsal shape, size, and articulating surface morphology in adolescent surgically treated clubfoot and their contralateral normal foot

Despite the inability of radiographic measurements to quantify the 3-dimensional (3D) shape and size of the hindfoot bones affected by the clubfoot pathology, radiographs continue to be used to evaluate treatment efficacy. Advancements in imaging and image analysis allow new quantitative insights to be obtained into bone shape and size. Therefore, this study sought to quantify and compare the 3D size, shape, and articulating surface morphology of the tibia, talus, calcaneus, navicular, and cuboid bones in the adolescent surgically treated unilateral clubfoot and the contralateral normal foot. Anatomic measurements were obtained by geometrically modeling 3D reconstructed magnetic resonance images of the hindfoot tarsals in the feet of 7 adolescents (mean age, 13.0+/-2.8 years). The results showed that the tarsal bones in the surgically treated clubfoot were smaller in volume (20%-36%) and smaller in surface area (16%-28%) than those in the contralateral normal foot. Correspondingly, the size and shape of the articulating surfaces of these bones in the surgically treated clubfoot were also smaller and flatter than those in the contralateral normal foot. Specifically, the mean talar articular surface area was 25% to 40% smaller, the mean talar-tibiotalar articular surface length was 26% smaller, the mean tibiotalar articular surface length difference was 78% smaller, and the mean navicular "flattening index" was 86% larger in the surgically treated clubfoot. These data offer an objective standard that will advance the knowledge of the clubfoot pathology and aid treatment efficacy evaluation.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of the congenital clubfoot treated with the French functional (physical therapy) method

The purpose of this study was to assess magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes that occur in clubfeet after nonoperative treatment with the French functional method, specifically pertaining to the chondro-osseous anatomy and the joint relationships. The magnetic resonance images were obtained in 6 infants before treatment and 3 months later. The MRI protocol described previously for clubfeet which were treated by the Ponseti method (J Pediatr Orthop. 2001;21:719) was closely adhered to, except that no sedation was allowed by our institutional review board. The severity of the clubfoot deformities before treatment made assessment of the tibiotalar, talonavicular, and talocalcaneal joint relationships difficult in some feet. Despite this, improvements were noted after treatment in tibiotalar plantarflexion, the talonavicular relationship, the calcaneocuboid relationship, and the varus position of the calcaneus. The wedge shape of both the navicular and distal end of the calcaneus that occasionally was noted on the MRI before treatment improved after therapy. Although improved clinically, persistent equinus of the calcaneus on MRI was significant in 2 feet and was associated with slight dorsal displacement of the cuboid on the calcaneus (MRI evidence of rocker bottom). As noted with use of the Ponseti nonoperative treatment method, the chondro-osseous abnormalities seen on MRI studies in congenital clubfoot improve after treatment with the French functional (physical therapy) method, with the exception of equinus.     

Die Arthrodese des oberen Sprunggelenks über den sog. transfibularen Zugang

OBJECTIVE: Bony fusion between tibia and talus in neutral position of foot. Return to a pain-free function of the lower limb. INDICATIONS: Extensive loss of articular cartilage accompanied by a painful and considerably limited motion with or without malalignment. Partial avascular necrosis of talar dome or distal tibial epiphysis. Neuroarthropathy (Charcot joint) with progressive malalignment of ankle. Revision surgery after failed total ankle arthroplasty. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Acute purulent joint infection. Total avascular necrosis of talus. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Posterolateral approach to the distal fibula taking care to preserve the periosteal vessels. Fibular osteotomy from proximal lateral to distal medial. Division of the anterior tibiofibular, anterior fibulotibial, and fibulocalcaneal ligaments. Division of posterior tibiofibular ligament. Transverse planar resection of tibial and talar articular surfaces. Freshening of the medial malleolus. Resection of the tip of medial malleolus through a medial incision. Positioning of talus perpendicular to the tibia, paying attention to the valgus of the hindfoot and external rotation. Temporary fixation with Kirschner wires. Radiographic control in two planes followed by fixation with two or three lag screws. Removal of the medial fibular cortex, freshening of the lateral gutter, and fixation of the distal fibular fragments to tibia and talus with cortical screws. RESULTS: 20 arthrodeses in 19 patients were followed up for an average of 39 months (12-69 months). All arthrodeses were fused. In one patient a fibular pseudarthrosis was encountered. All arthrodeses healed in a correct position but one that consolidated with a pes equinus of 3 degrees . The average AOFAS (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society) hindfoot score reached 78.5 points (40-86 points). A marked reduction of symptoms and satisfactory function were reported postoperatively by all patients. All would be willing to undergo surgery again.     

Correlation and comparison of syndesmosis dimension on CT and MRI

IntroductionVarious methods using CT scan have been described to diagnose distal tibiofibular syndesmotic injuries. However, CT scan does not take into account the amount of cartilage within the distal tibiofibular joint and could therefore lead to false positive results. We present the first study correlating the findings of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis on CT and MRI scans.MethodsCT and MRI scan of consecutive patients over a period of 18 months, and of a time lapsed less than 12 months between the two imaging modalities, were reviewed. Measurements of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis were taken according to a previously published study at the level of the distal tibial physeal scar.ResultsTwenty-six ankles from 25 patients were included in this study for analysis. Significant difference between CT and MRI assessments in the overall distal tibiofibular dimensions and in the posterior distal tibiofibular distance for those ankles with evidence of osteoarthritis was found. Interclass correlation coefficients suggest that such methodology was reproducible and reliable.ConclusionWhen the widening found on a CT scan is minor or the diagnosis is equivocal, a contralateral comparative CT or an ipsilateral MRI scan is recommended to prevent misdiagnosis.Level of evidenceLevel IV.     

Deformity of talus and calcaneous in congenital clubfoot: an anatomical study

Clubfoot is a complex congenital deformity. Midtarsal joint is a key point to understand the deformity in clubfoot as a consequence of the malalignment of the osseous columns. Talar and calcaneal deformities affecting the normal alignment of the medial and lateral osseous columns in the foot can be the factors that determine the difficulty in the management of clubfoot. We report observations of two clubfeet of one stillborn. Our observations in the head of the talus report two different articular areas: the histological section of medial area facing the navicular shows active articular cartilage and the lateral area shows an atrophic articular cartilage suggesting a difference between the anatomical declination angles of the talus from a functional declination angle. Observing the calcaneous, we report a twisting rotational deformity along the longitudinal axis of the calcaneous. These observations may contribute to a better understanding of the clubfoot relapse, and also the treatment of complicated cases of clubfeet.