Comparative radiographic analysis of congenital idiopathic talipes equinovarus (clubfoot) in infancy: a retrospective study.

Controversy exists regarding the quantitative use and predictive value of standard radiographs in the evaluation of talipes equinovarus in infancy. To address this issue, a comparative study of the three most commonly utilized quantitative radiographic assessment methods has been conducted. This study is retrospective in nature and consists of 56 congenital idiopathic clubfeet resistant to conservative treatment that required surgical correction. The results of this study indicate that the "Simons' standardized method of analytical radiography" of the infant clubfoot is the most clinically accurate in evaluating the type and degree of articular malalignments present, as well as predicting the status of the talonavicular joint prior to the ossification of the navicular. With this knowledge, it is then possible to institute the appropriate treatment regimen at an earlier age.