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. 2021 Jul;15(2):89-95.
doi: 10.5704/MOJ.2107.013.

Results of ala carte Posteromedial Soft Tissue Release in Idiopathic Clubfoot

S Barik  1 , L Das  1 , A K Yadav  1 , S S Arora  1 , V Singh  1
Affiliations

Results of ala carte Posteromedial Soft Tissue Release in Idiopathic Clubfoot

S Barik et al. Malays Orthop J. 2021 Jul.

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study is to assess the outcomes of ala carte posteromedial release in children over two years of age who were not responding to the Ponseti method of treatment of idiopathic clubfoot.

Material and methods: A retrospective observational study from September 2013 to August 2015 was conducted at a tertiary level medical teaching institution. The clubfeet were classified according to the Harold and Walker classification. Radiographic parameters assessed were the talocalcaneal angle (AP, lateral), talus-first metatarsal angle (AP, lateral) and calcaneal-fifth metatarsal angle. The scar and the functional score, according to Laaveg and Ponseti, were evaluated as outcome measures at the final follow-up.

Results: Twenty-four children with a mean age of 43.7 ± 24.7 months were enrolled in the study. There was a total of 36 clubfeet: 21 (65.6%) with a poor functional outcome; 12 (37.4%) with excellent to good scar in both horizontal and vertical components. There was a statistical significance between the pre-operative and post-operative radiological parameters (p<0.05). None of the patients presented with any limitation of activities of daily living despite the poor functional outcome in many of the children. There was no significant association between the qualities of scar (horizontal, vertical) and the functional outcome with age at presentation, pre-operative Harold and Walker classification and pre-operative radiographic angles.

Conclusion: Surgical intervention in terms of ala carte posteromedial soft tissue release could not produce a good outcome over four years in CTEV. The threshold for surgery in CTEV should be high, given the poor results.

Keywords: Ponseti casting; clubfoot; posteromedial release; scar.

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Figures

Fig. 1:
Fig. 1:
Incision on the foot extending from base of 1st metatarsal to tendoachilles proximally and posteriorly. The scar is divided into two components – horizontal and vertical according to their orientation.
Fig. 2:
Fig. 2:
Anteroposterior and lateral image of the foot showing the radiographic parameters used. (1) Axis of talus. (2) Axis of calcaneum. (3) Axis of 1st metatarsal. (4) Axis of 5th metatarsal. Corresponding angles between these axes were measured.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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