Factors that Affect Surgical Correction in Congenital Talipes Equinovarus

Abstract

Children with congenital talipes deformity were assessed photographically at birth, and radiologically prior to a standard staged surgical procedure, carried out by one surgeon. A total of 111 feet of 86 children were assessed clinically and radiologically at 4 years of age. Feet with more deformity at birth and poorer preoperative calf muscle required more surgery and had less satisfactory results. Unilaterally affected feet required less surgery and had significantly better postoperative clinical results than bilaterally affected feet. There was a trend toward poorer results in children with a positive family history of talipes, but gender did not affect the outcome.