Radical soft-tissue release of the arthrogrypotic clubfoot

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of primary radical soft-tissue release of arthrogrypotic clubfeet in children less than 1 year of age. We performed a retrospective review of six patients (12 feet) who underwent radical release of clubfoot deformity. Primary surgery was performed at an average of 7.4 months and the average follow-up was 4.3 years. We graded our results using a modified functional clubfoot rating system. We had two excellent, four good, three fair and three poor results. Revision surgery was performed on one foot for residual equinus. All patients ambulated independently with orthoses. Our short-term results with primary radical release of clubfoot deformity in arthrogryposis in infants under 1 year of age have been very encouraging. Correction of hindfoot equinus is excellent, and the recurrence rate remains low. Salvage talectomy has not been necessary in this population of children.