Wound problems in surgery for talipes equinovarus

Abstract

The traditional treatment for talipes equinovarus (TEV) has been open surgery in many units around the world. The complication rates for primary corrective surgery are relatively small but may affect outcome significantly. The complications of surgery in relapsed TEV are more frequent than for primary surgery, and problems relating to wound healing present difficult challenges to the treating surgeon. An overview of the approaches to management of this still challenging condition are presented, and the factors involved in wound healing problems and strategies for their prevention and treatment are presented. In particular, the belated but rapid spread worldwide of the Ponseti nonoperative approach to treating talipes is the most important factor in reducing the rates of surgery and therefore the complications that may ensue.