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Deformity and disability from treated clubfoot.
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock.
Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Treated clubfoot (idiopathic clubfoot deformity) often results in long-term disability, including significantly reduced ankle motion and plantarflexor muscle strength, even years after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Idiopathic clubfoot is a common congenital foot deformity.
- Treatment aims to correct the deformity and restore function.
- Long-term outcomes and associated disabilities require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify long-term functional disabilities in adults treated for unilateral idiopathic clubfoot.
- To compare functional outcomes between treated patients and a control group.
Main Methods:
- Morphometric analysis, radiographic evaluation, and performance testing were used.
- 29 patients with treated unilateral idiopathic clubfoot were compared to 23 healthy controls.
- Patients were evaluated on average more than 10 years after definitive treatment.
Main Results:
- Treated clubfeet showed a 42% average decrease in ankle motion, with a 65% deficit in dorsiflexion.
- Plantarflexor muscle strength was reduced by 24%, correlating with heel cord lengthening procedures.
- Calf girth was reduced by 10%, irrespective of casting duration.
Conclusions:
- Long-term functional deficits, including impaired range of motion and muscle strength, are common after clubfoot treatment.
- Specific limitations like reduced dorsiflexion appear consistent across various treatment modalities.
- Muscle strength deficits correlate with surgical interventions, suggesting potential for targeted rehabilitation.