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Complete subtalar release in clubfeet
R Tözün1, A Hamzaoglu, H Pinar
1Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Turkey.
Insights
Complete subtalar release effectively treated clubfeet in children, with no recurrences observed. This surgical approach yielded very good to good outcomes in all treated clubfeet.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Foot and ankle surgery
Background:
- Clubfoot is a common congenital foot deformity.
- Subtalar joint abnormalities contribute to clubfoot.
- Surgical release is often necessary for severe cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of complete subtalar release in pediatric clubfoot patients.
- To assess the efficacy and complications of this surgical technique.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 18 children (22 clubfeet) treated between 1987-1989.
- Procedures included complete subtalar release, primarily via the Cincinnati incision.
- Postoperative management involved pin removal at 6 weeks and cast immobilization for 3-3.5 months.
Main Results:
- No recurrences of clubfoot were observed.
- Excellent outcomes (very good to good) were achieved in all 22 feet.
- Complications included superficial necrosis (3 feet) and extensive posteromedial skin necrosis (1 foot).
Conclusions:
- Complete subtalar release is an effective surgical treatment for pediatric clubfoot.
- The Cincinnati incision is a viable approach for this procedure.
- While complications can occur, the overall results demonstrate the procedure's success in correcting clubfoot deformities.
Abstract:
Complete subtalar release was performed in 18 children with 22 clubfeet between 1987 and 1989. The ages of the patients ranged from 3.5 months to 8.5 years. The patients were evaluated at 9 to 30 months (average 19 months). Twenty procedures were performed through the Cincinnati incision, and the remaining two through two separate posteromedial and posterolateral incisions. At 6 weeks, the pins were removed and cast immobilization was discontinued at 3 to 3.5 months. Complications were superficial necrosis in three feet, and extensive posteromedial skin necrosis in one foot. No recurrences were encountered. Overall results were very good in 18, and good in four feet.