Functional Outcomes of Talectomy in Pediatric Feet

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Foot and Ankle Surgery

Background:

• Talectomy is a historical surgical treatment for severe, rigid equinovarus foot deformities in pediatric patients.
• Limited research exists on the functional outcomes and patient satisfaction following talectomy in children.
• This study assesses outcomes using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and patient/caregiver satisfaction surveys.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the functional outcomes of pediatric patients who underwent talectomy for severely rigid talipes equinovarus.
• To assess patient and caregiver satisfaction with the surgical results and functional status post-talectomy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 31 pediatric patients with nonidiopathic, severely rigid talipes equinovarus.
• Data extracted from medical records, including diagnosis, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcomes.
• Functional outcomes measured by the AOFAS score; satisfaction assessed via direct questioning of patients and caregivers.

Main Results:

• Plantigrade foot alignment achieved in 88.5% of primary surgeries; 86.5% of patients tolerated postoperative bracing.
• Deformity recurrence occurred in 21.2%, and 17.3% required revision surgery. Patients with arthrogryposis had higher AOFAS scores.
• 63.5% of patients and 75.0% of caregivers reported satisfaction; higher AOFAS scores correlated with brace tolerance and lower complication rates.

Conclusions:

• Talectomy is generally effective as an end-stage treatment for pediatric patients with severe, rigid equinovarus feet.
• The procedure demonstrates positive functional outcomes and satisfactory results for both patients and their caregivers.
• Consideration of potential recurrence and need for revision surgery is important in the management of these complex cases.