Complications in clubfoot surgery

Thirty percent to 50% of clubfeet will not respond to conservative treatment and will require surgery. The average failure rate in clubfoot surgery is 25% (range, 13% to 50%). Many complications can occur during surgery and postoperatively. Preoperative planning of the appropriate skin incision and special attention to wound closure may prevent some of these complications. Awareness of the multiple complications that can occur such as cavus, persistent adductus, overcorrection of the hindfoot, and recurrent deformity allows the surgeon to prepare and plan for these often unavoidable problems.