Soft tissue Ilizarov correction of congenital talipes equinovarus--5 to 10 years postsurgery

The aim of this study was to address concerns regarding maintenance of correction of foot deformity after soft tissue Ilizarov distraction in relapsed clubfeet. We retrospectively reviewed the results of Ilizarov surgery of 19 rigid clubfeet in 14 children. The postoperative follow-up was at least 5 years (range, 5-10 years). All patients were assessed using the International Clubfoot Study Group score. This is a comprehensive scoring system published in 2003, incorporating morphological, functional, and radiological assessments. Patient and parent satisfaction was also assessed. Using the International Clubfoot Study Group score, 14 of the 19 feet managed by the Ilizarov soft tissue distraction technique were graded good or excellent. Only 1 patient experienced recurrence of the deformity. Subjectively, 13 of the 14 children in the study were satisfied with the result of the treatment. The study confirms that the short-term good results reported previously are maintained at least 5 years after the operation. There are no other similar studies with a minimum 5-year follow-up.