Leg length discrepancy in unilateral congenital clubfoot following surgical treatment.
Length discrepancy secondary to limb hypoplasia has been described as an associated finding in patients with unilateral clubfoot. In this manuscript we bring attention to limb length discrepancy as a result of surgical treatment in unilateral clubfoot. Three patients who underwent extensive posterior, medial and lateral release were noted to have an average discrepancy in foot height of 2.1 centimeters (range, 2.0-2.3 centimeters). A decrease in foot height in addition to baseline limb hypoplasia may lead to a significant discrepancy that may justify surgical treatment. In this manuscript we point out that length discrepancy in such cases may not be adequately quantified on standard anteroposterior scanograms. Standing lateral foot radiographs will document loss in foot height as a possible factor in length discrepancy in surgically treated clubfoot patients.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5215, USA. Knoonan@uipui.edu
Kenneth J
KJ
Noonan
Alex M
AM
Meyers
Kosmas
K
Kayes
D002370:Casts, Surgical; D003025:Clubfoot / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008349:Manipulation, Orthopedic; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011859:Radiography; D013977:Tibia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging