Clinical and radiographic appearance of congenital talipes equinovarus after successful nonoperative treatment.

Abstract

Thirty-one children with 49 feet after successful nonoperative treatment for congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) by redressements, hypoallergic adhesive bands, and plaster casts underwent follow-up. At the follow-up, the patients ranged in age from 4.2 years to 12.3 years (average, 8.3 years). The initial type of the deformity was as follows: type I (mild), 18 feet; type II (intermediate), 29 feet; type III (severe), two feet. Mild supination of the forefoot in five feet, isolated excavation in three, and adduction greater than physiological in two feet were the only persistent elements of the deformity. The lack or restriction of the dorsal flexion in the ankle were noted in 22 feet. In only three feet was the Beatson-Pearson index was < 40 degrees. In 17 feet, the radiographs revealed full talonavicular reduction in sagittal and horizontal planes. The average value of the talometatarsal first and tibiocalcaneal angles as in accordance with the standard. The most characteristic osseous disturbances concerned the tarsal navicular (22 feet) and consisted of the decrease of the ossification center, its flattening, fragmentation, cystic-like changes, and wedging.