Evaluation of the hemi-Cincinnati incision for posteromedial soft-tissue release in clubfoot

Posteromedial soft-tissue release operations were performed on 42 idiopathic clubfeet in children younger than 2 years of age through the medial half of the Cincinnati incision (the hemi-Cincinnati incision). This incision gave adequate exposure to all structures to be released. Wound closure was possible in all 42 feet without having to hold the foot in plantarflexion or inversion. Wound healing was satisfactory in the majority of instances and 81% of the scars, assessed 9 months after the operation, were graded as excellent or good. The scar is located in an area of the foot that can be concealed easily and should a more radical soft-tissue operation be needed later, the same incision can be extended easily. The authors recommend this incision as the incision of choice for performing posteromedial soft-tissue release operations on clubfeet in children younger than 2 years of age.