TITLE:
Surgical Treatment of Relapsed Clubfoot Using the Ilizarov Method: Anatomical and Functional Outcomes—A Report of 16 Cases at the Order of Malta’s Hospital Center
AUTHORS:
Khalifa Ababacar Faye, Alioune Badara Gueye, Mouhamadou Moustapha Niane, Charles Alain Valerie Kinkpe
KEYWORDS:
Clubfoot, Relapsed, Distraction, Ilizarov
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Orthopedics,
Vol.14 No.11,
November
21,
2024
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Relapsed Congenital Talipes Equino Varus (CTEV) refers to clubfoot diagnosed after walking age. We refer to this entity as residual deformities of a previously treated clubfoot or a complete recurrence following treatment. For its treatment, several techniques have been used to improve the foot’s functional outcome while remaining minimally invasive. Correction by distraction using the Ilizarov external fixator is a promising technique. This single-center study aims to evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of treatment by distraction and compression with the Ilizarov fixator in relapsed club feet. Patients and Method: We carried out a retrospective, single-center study over 5 years. In total 16 clubfeet in 14 patients, including 9 males and 5 females were retained for final analysis. The average age of the patients at the time of the intervention was 15.16 years. K-wires were placed using the original technique. The average duration of the fixator in our series was 4.27 months. The functional assessment of patients was based on pre-and post-operative evaluation of the Foot and ankle function according to the AOFAS score. Results: Anatomic assessment was done according to the Dimeglio classification. There was a significant improvement at post-operative period with an average score of 4.47 against 10.07 at pre-operative period. We obtained 43.8% good and very good functional outcomes according to the global AOFAS score increasing from 63.07 at pre-operative period to 77.88 at post-operative period. Two cases of reinterventions were recorded. Conclusion: Distraction with the Ilizarov external fixator occupies a place of choice in the management of relapsed club foot. A good mastery of the technique and patient selection produce good functional outcomes.