External fixation in clubfoot treatment - a review of the literature.

Abstract

The treatment of neglected or relapsed clubfoot is still a challenge. Extensive open surgeries may lead to postoperative scarring and various complications.Gradual distraction using circular fixators for treatment of these cases was described by many researchers in the last decades. Different techniques were used with and without open surgeries. Recently the Taylor Spatial Frame was described for clubfoot correction using the principles of the Ponseti technique. Results of treatment using different techniques are described in this review. External fixation with soft tissue distraction even without open surgery is an effective treatment for neglected or relapsed clubfoot.