Comparison of Posteromedial and Subtalar Release in Surgical Treatment of Resistant Clubfoot

Abstract

This preliminary study evaluated two surgical techniques for the treatment of resistant clubfoot: the posteromedial and the subtalar release. Two groups of matched patients with idiopathic clubfoot who underwent surgery between 1983 and 1995 were compared. In group 1 (12 patients, 1 8 feet), posteromedial release was performed. In this group, the results were satisfactory with a tendency to hypocorrection: 4 (22%) feet needed a secondary procedure (average follow-up: 97.8 months). Group 2 (12 patients, 17 feet) underwent complete subtalar release. The results were clinically better for group 2 (average follow-up: 38.8 months). Only 1 (5.9%) patient needed a secondary procedure. These results suggest complete subtalar release yields better postoperative correction than posteromedial release.

Complete Talar Mobilization in Rigid Clubfoot - Our Experience

“…It was also thought that the concern for overcorrection during CSTR was being overemphasized, and this could be avoided by per-operative radiographs. Tschopp O, et al in 2002, compared posteromedial soft tissue release and subtalar release in 2 groups of matched patients [18]. CSTR was found to yield better post-operative correction than postero-medial release.…”