Long-term outcome evaluation in young adults following clubfoot surgical release.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of a comprehensive surgical release for congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV).

METHODS

Gait, strength, segmental foot motion, and outcomes questionnaire data were collected on 24 adults (21.8+/-2.3 y) who were surgically treated for CTEV as infants. These data were statistically compared with of 48-age group matched controls (23.2+/-2.4 y).

RESULTS

The clubfoot group was functional in activities of daily living, although most patients did experience foot pain after a day of typical activities, such as walking, standing, using stairs and doing exercise. Lower extremity gait kinematics was similar to the control group. There were differences in segmental foot motion with the hindfoot in a more plantarflexed position relative to the tibia and the forefoot dorsiflexed, and adducted relative to the hindfoot. Ankle plantarflexion and inversion strength and range of motion was reduced in the clubfoot group in association with an increase in hip power generation during the preswing and initial swing phases of the gait cycle.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical correction of CTEV was successful in providing a functional plantigrade foot as the patients reached adulthood. However, limitations included foot pain, limited foot range of motion, and weakness.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.