Growth and development of tarsal and metatarsal bones in successfully treated congenital idiopathic clubfoot: early radiographic study.

Fifteen cases of unilateral clubfoot treated according to Ponseti's technique had the talocalcaneal angles on the anteroposterior and lateral views and the size of the talus, calcaneus, I-V metatarsus measured on radiographs of both feet that were taken at a mean age of 15.2 months (range 8-23). The measurements of talocalcaneal angles and size of the talus, calcaneus, and I, II, and III metatarsi were significantly smaller on the affected side, whereas the values for the IV and V metatarsi were similar on both sides. Clubfoot deformity involves all structures of the foot, but intrinsic compressive forces on the small hindfoot bones induce measurable reduction in their size and spatial orientation. This effect is seen early on the medial but not the lateral long tubular forefoot bones.