Talectomy in patients with recurrent deformity in club foot - A long-term follow-up study

We reviewed 24 feet in 15 patients who had undergone talectomy for recurren t equinovarus deformity; 21 were associated with arthrogryposis multiplex c ongenita, two with myelomeningocele and one with idiopathic congenital tali pes equinovarus, The mean follow-up was 20 years. Good results were achieve d in eight feet (33%) in which further surgery was not needed and walking w as painless; a fair result was obtained in ten feet (42%) in which further surgery for recurrence of a hindfoot deformity had been necessary but walki ng was painless; the remaining six feet (25%) were poor, with pain on walki ng. All patients wore normal shoes and could walk independently, except one who was wheelchair-bound because of other joint problems. Recurrent deform ity, the development of tibiocalcaneal arthritis and spontaneous fusion of the tibia to the calcaneum were ail seen in these patients.