Experience of using the ilizarov external fixator in the treatment of children with recurrent congenital clubfoot

Introduction: Congenital clubfoot is a complex orthopedic problem, and the frequency of recurrence or secondary deformities may reach up to 60% in some cases.

Purpose: To determine indicators for the surgical treatment of recurrent foot deformity using the Ilizarov external fixator and to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach.

Materials and Methods: The feet of 78 children with recurrent congenital clubfoot were analyzed using X-ray and ultrasound to investigate their clinical and functional characteristics. According to the characteristics of the deformity, we performed tenoligamentocapsulotomy combined with tarsal osteotomies and tendon plastics. Furthermore, we determined the indicators for the surgical treatment of foot deformity using the Ilizarov external fixator.

Results: In total, 33 children (56 feet) were treated using a distraction external fixator combined with tenoligamentocapsulotomy. Following treatment, long term results were assessed using a three-point scale: good, satisfactory, and unsatisfactory. The number of children of 8 years of age whose treatment was graded as either good or satisfactory was higher than children who were over 9 years of age. Functional recovery was also better in the younger age group.

Conclusion: By determining specific indications for different treatment methods, physicians are able to apply an individual approach for diagnosing and treating recurrent congenital clubfoot. Good and satisfactory long term results were obtained in approximately 90 % of cases.