Results of Primary Talectomy for Clubfoot in Infants and Toddlers with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita
Chatupon Chotigavanichaya MD*, Thanase Ariyawatkul MD*, Perajit Eamsobhana MD*, Kamolporn Kaewpornsawan MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : Equinovarus deformity in arthrogryposis multiplex congenita patients is rigid and difficult to treat. Radical soft
tissue operations yielded good results though recurrence of deformity was high. Talectomy is a bony procedure recommended
as either a salvage procedure or a primary operation.
Objective : To evaluate the results of primary talectomy in infant and toddler patients retrospectively.
Material and Method: Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita patients with rigid equinovarus deformity treated with talectomy
initially were retrospectively reviewed. Pain score, residual foot deformity, shoe modification, and ambulatory status were
assessed.
Results : Talectomy were performed in 19 arthrogrypotic feet in 10 infants and toddlers. There were 6 males and 4 females.
The mean age at surgery was 1.3 years old and the mean age of the follow-up time was 4.9 years. All patients had plantigrade
foot without pain. One arthrogrypotic foot required posteromedial release 2 years after index surgery due to recurrent
deformity.
Conclusion : Talectomy as the primary procedure in arthrogrypotic infants and toddlers demonstrated good results with few
residual deformities and recurrence. Patients could achieve plantigrade position.
Keywords : Infant, Toddler, Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, Clubfoot and talectomy
