The Grice extraarticular subtalar arthrodesis: a clinical review

One hundred forty-nine Grice procedures performed between 1955 and 1982 were reviewed. The valgus deformities were secondary to poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy, myelodysplasia, flexible flatfoot, clubfoot, congenital vertical talus, and other neuromuscular diseases. Review consisted of radiographic and clinical follow-up. Overall evaluation revealed 46% unsatisfactory results because of both graft failure and residual clinical deformity. Previous unrecognized ankle valgus and instability prejudiced the results in the myelodysplasia and flexible flatfoot. Recommendations include consideration of the Grice procedure in poliomyelitis and cerebral palsy coupled with appropriate tendon balancing, but not in myelodysplasia or flexible flatfoot in the presence of often unrecognized ankle valgus.