[Correlation of clinical and radiologic results of complete subtalar release in congenital clubfoot].

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the mid-term results in patients who underwent complete subtalar release with the use of the Cincinnati incision for congenital clubfoot.

METHODS: Complete subtalar release was performed in 30 feet of 23 patients (16 boys, 7 girls; 7 bilateral cases). The mean age at surgery was 17.5 months (range 2 to 84 months). Clinically, cosmetic appearance, adduction of the forefoot, the range of motion of the ankle joint, and muscle strength were evaluated. Radiologic evaluations included talocalcaneal angles on antero-posterior and lateral views, talocalcaneal index, talar-first metatarsal angles, calcaneal-fifth metatarsal angles, and Bohler angles. Talar and navicular bone lengths were compared with the other side in unilateral patients. The results were evaluated according to the Simons' criteria. The mean follow-up was 9 years and 8 months (range 7 years to 14 years).

RESULTS: The mean range of motion of the ankle joint was measured as 47 degrees (range 10 degrees to 60 degrees ). The parents of three patients were not satisfied with the clinical results. Clinically, six patients had metatarsus adductus. Radiologically, flattening of the talar head (7 patients) and the talar dome (2 patients) were detected in unilateral patients. Navicular dorsal subluxation was found in seven feet. Compared to the normal side, the mean navicular shortening was 2.6 mm (range 0 to 4 mm), the mean talar shortening was 4.8 mm (range 2 to 11 mm). According to the Simons' criteria, the results were satisfactory in 27 feet (90%) and unsatisfactory in three feet (10%).

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that complete subtalar release for the treatment of clubfoot enables correction of all components of the deformity at a single session, and that its clinical results are more favorable than radiologic results, without requiring a close cooperation of the parents.