Calcaneocuboid joint deformity in clubfoot

In the management of congenital clubfoot, recent attention has been given to the deformity of the calcaneocuboid joint in addition to the changes in the talonavicular, talocalcaneal and ankle joints. Fifty-five patients with 86 clubfeet operated on in the past six years were retrospectively studied. Radiographically, the calcaneocuboid subluxations were graded from I to IV by the Thoemtz classification. The grading has some correlation with the gross deformity, although there is no statistical data to confirm it. Postoperatively, those with grade I feet seemed to have satisfactory results with a posterior release only or with a posteromedial release. Grade II-III feet generally required extensive posteromedial and lateral release. Those who had a calcaneocuboid release and reduction obtained better correction than those who did not. We conclude that calcaneocuboid subluxation should be appraised preoperatively and reduced during surgery in order to achieve good results.