Medium-term results of single-stage posteromedial release and triple arthrodesis in treatment of neglected clubfoot deformity in adults.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the implementation, in a single session, of both massive posteromedial release and triple arthrodesis for rigid neglected clubfoot deformities in adult patients, and its effects on clinical and radiological results.

METHODS

The procedures were performed in one session on 15 feet of 11 patients [7 male, 4 female; mean age 26 (range: 15 to 50)]. Staples were used for fixation in all patients. For clinical assessment, the AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) ankle- hindfoot scale was used. Anteroposterior/lateral side talocalcaneal and talus-1st metatarsal angles were used as radiographic parameters. The mean follow-up was 7.5 years (range: 6 to 11).

RESULTS

The mean AOFAS score rose from a preoperative 39 (range: 15 to 52) to 88 (range: 76 to 94) in the final follow up (p<0.0001). Among the 15 feet, 9 were evaluated as excellent, 5 as good, and 1 as fair. Significant clinical improvement was obtained between preoperative and postoperative surgical periods (p<0.05). Significant improvements were observed in radiographic parameters (p<0.0001). At final follow-up, radiographic values were within normal physiological limits. Average union time was 12.4 (range: 7 to 36) weeks. While pseudoarthrosis was not observed in any patients, delayed union developed in 2 cases, and talus avascular necrosis in 1. In the preoperative period, 5 patients had various degrees of degenerative changes. Nine patients developed degenerative changes in different joints and of different degrees.

CONCLUSION

The authors believe that massive soft tissue release and triple arthrodesis performed in a single session yields satisfactory results cosmetically and functionally in neglected clubfoot cases with severe deformities.