Extra-articular subtalar arthrodesis with cancellous bone graft and internal fixation for children with myelomeningocele.

Extra-articular subtalar arthrodesis with cancellous bone graft and internal fixation was performed on 20 feet of 12 children with myelomeningocele, whose average age at operation was 7.4 years. Indication for surgery was progressive hindfoot valgus deformity causing difficulty in fitting orthoses. At average follow-up of 4.1 years, results were satisfactory in 18 of the 20 feet. Unsatisfactory results were a result of undercorrection at time of surgery. Extra-articular subtalar arthrodesis will correct hindfoot valgus deformity in children with myelomeningocele, and the use of internal fixation and iliac crest bone grafting contributed to the improved success rate in this series.