LONG-TERM RESULTS OF THE OPERATIVE TREATMENT OF CLUBFOOT - A REPRESENTATIVE STUDY

This study reports the long-term results of operative treatment of clu bfoot. Of the patients who underwent posteromedial release for congeni tal clubfoot between 1972 and 1975 at the Medical University in Pecs, Hungary, 41 feet of 30 patients have been under control examination. C ontrol consisted of the distribution of questionnaires, physical exami nation, and in some cases, radiologic analysis. At an average of 20 ye ars postsurgery, good clinical results were observed in 31 (75%) feet. In these patients, satisfying foot form and good function were achiev ed, yet the characteristic atrophy of the calf and shortening of the f oot were visible. Abnormal conditions were found in 10 feet, consistin g of overcorrection in 6 and undercorrection in 4 cases. Subjective ju dgment of the patients was considerably better; only 5 (12%) feet had no satisfying results. Data of feet in an incorrect position were anal yzed and compared with other cases. In cases of feet operated on in pa tients aged greater than or equal to 1 year and in patients who underw ent multiple operations, abnormalities were found in a significantly h igher percentage.