Conservative and surgical treatment of clubfoot

One hundred twenty-four patients (174 feet) were treated for clubfoot deformity, with an average follow-up of 7 years. All patients were initially treated by manipulation and serial casting. Early soft tissue surgeries were performed for resistant cases (73 feet). In 33 feet with residual hindfoot deformity only, posterior release was performed with 85% good results. In the remainder, where there was forefoot as well as hindfoot deformity, full posteromedial release was necessary, giving good results in 90% of cases. All clubfeet should initially be treated conservatively. However, resistant cases should have early surgery, with the extent of surgery performed being determined by the type of residual deformity present.