Follow up of complete subtalar release for clubfoot--Evolution of different scores.
BACKGROUND
Even today there are still some cases of clubfoot that require a more extensive form of treatment. Thus, it is still essential to ascertain the development of the clubfoot after extensive release operations.


METHODS
70 children presenting 99 cases of primary clubfoot (age 8 months-10 years) were followed up after 4.5 and 9 years following complete subtalar release. Function, clinical and radiological results as well as 3 scores were assessed at both dates.


RESULTS
Function and pain worsened between the two follow-up periods, whereas objective clinical and radiological results remained equivalent. 44-79% were rated good or excellent depending on the scoring system applied.Older children with primary clubfoot had comparable results to children operated on at a younger age; also pre-operated feet achieved similar results.


CONCLUSIONS
In our opinion the results justify keeping complete release in mind as an alternative method in cases of severe residual and recurrent clubfoot.
Department of Trauma Surgery, University of Giessen and Marburg in Giessen, Rudolf-Buchheimstr. 7, 35385 Giessen, Germany. iris.schleicher@ortho.med.uni-giessen.de
Iris
I
Schleicher
Konstantino
K
Lappas
Heiko
H
Klein
Gabor
G
Szalay
Jens
J
Kordelle
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003025:Clubfoot / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013380:Subtalar Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome