Clubfoot release without wide subtalar release

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Foot and Ankle Surgery

Background:

• Clubfoot is a common congenital foot deformity requiring surgical correction.
• Traditional clubfoot release often involves extensive subtalar joint manipulation.
• The long-term efficacy of clubfoot release with limited subtalar intervention is an area of ongoing research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term functional outcomes and radiographic results of clubfoot release performed without wide subtalar release.
• To assess the rate of revision surgeries and patient satisfaction following this surgical approach.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 52 feet treated with clubfoot release without wide subtalar release.
• Evaluation included clinical assessment of function, radiographic measurements (talocalcaneal index), and patient-reported outcomes.
• Follow-up ranged from 4.2 to 10.8 years post-surgery.

Main Results:

• 82% of feet achieved good or excellent functional ratings at long-term follow-up.
• The mean talocalcaneal index was 49 degrees, indicating some degree of subtalar joint correction.
• 11% of feet required subsequent operative procedures, with undercorrection noted in some cases; overcorrection was infrequent.

Conclusions:

• Clubfoot release without wide subtalar release can provide satisfactory functional correction for a majority of patients.
• This technique demonstrates a low rate of overcorrection but may result in undercorrection in a subset of cases.
• Further investigation into patient-specific factors influencing outcomes may optimize treatment strategies.