CONGENITAL TALIPES EQUINOVARUS

Objectives: To determine the functional outcome of one stage posteromedial release in congenital clubfoot in terms offunctional and radiological assessment. Methodology: Forty five patients having clubfoot deformity were included in the study. Fifteen patientshad bilateral deformities. The outcome was evaluated by functionally assessing the foot in the last review visit (at the end of 14thweek ofsurgery) using the rating system of McKay, which has ten categories and has a maximum score of 180 points. It rates the outcome as excellent,good, fair, poor and failure (Fig-1). Radiological assessment is made by measuring various angles on anteroposterior and lateral radiograph ofthe foot with gonometer at 3,6,10 and 14 weeks after release (Table-II). . The values of talocalcaneal angle (measured during every visit) on APand lateral views will be summated to yield talocalcaneal index, and an index of >40 degree was taken as normal. Results: Forty five patientsincluded in the study with clubfoot deformity. Out of these patients, 33 (73.33%) were males and 12 (26.66%) were females (table-I). They weregraded according to the McKay rating system. In this short term follow up of one year, the following results were observed. Thirty-nine (65%)patients had excellent results, 11 (18.33%) patients had good results, 3 (5%) patients had fair results and 7 (11.66%) patients had poor results(Fig-1). No case can be labeled as failure. Conclusions: Mild to moderated clubfoot deformities can be successfully treated in children up tofive years of age by one stage postero-medial release.