Correction of residual clubfoot deformities in older children using the Taylor spatial butt frame and midfoot Gigli saw osteotomy.
BACKGROUND
Residual clubfoot deformities in older children are a difficult surgical problem. The foot is stiff and almost always has already undergone some surgical intervention. The traditional approach includes soft-tissue release or osteotomy and external fixation (usually with an Ilizarov frame).


METHODS
In this study, we summarized our experience with the treatment of residual clubfoot deformities in older children using a percutaneous midfoot Gigli saw osteotomy and the Taylor spatial frame. There were 11 children in the study, with a mean age of 14.7 years, and mean frame fixation time was 15.1 weeks. Because the primary problems in these children were midfoot and forefoot deformities (forefoot adduction, supination, and cavus), a Butt frame was applied after the midfoot osteotomy.


RESULTS
At the time of frame removal, the goal of deformity correction was achieved in all the children. Two patients had partial recurrence of the deformities and were reoperated. One patient with residual supination is planned to be operated close to maturity. Complications included superficial pin-tract infection in 5 patients and premature consolidation of the osteotomy that needed reosteotomy.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of our experience, we believe that midfoot osteotomy and correction by Taylor spatial frame is an effective and reliable surgical option for this challenging problem.


METHODS
Level 4--case series.
Pediatric Orthopedic Unit, Meyer Children's Hospital, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel. markeid@yahoo.com
Mark
M
Eidelman
Yaniv
Y
Keren
Alexander
A
Katzman
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D003025:Clubfoot / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D016896:Treatment Outcome