Talo-calcaneal smile osteotomy as a treatment of rigid residual equinus deformity

Foot deformities are usually complex. Equinus deformity can be a residual foot deformity element or isolated. A rigid type is the most difficult for treatment. The aim of work is the treatment of rigid equinus deformity by a minimally invasive technique using Ilizarov fixator to restore plantigrade foot and to prevent further recurrence. 17 feet in 14 patients with stiff ankles and rigid equinus after failed surgical correction of club feet, with mean age 6.6 years (4 to 10 years), all treated by smile talocalcaneal osteotomy and Ilizarov ring fixator with a mean follow up 20.9 months (5 to 30 months). 5 feet (29.9%) had excellent results, 8 (47.1%) had good results, 1(5.9%) had a fair result and 3 feet (17.6%) had poor results and underwent revision surgery. In conclusion, our technique Talo-calcaneal smile osteotomy based on distraction osteogenesis method appears to provide similar or better results compared to other literature results without discrimination of foot size, provide some range of motion and plantigrade foot. Keywords: Clubfoot- equinus- rigid -deformity, Ilizarov- Smile osteotomy.