Results of Posteromedial Release for the Resistant Clubfoot

Sixty-nine children with 99 resistant clubfeet were operated on between 1973 and 1979 at the James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children (Indianapolis, IN). Three groups of children according to age at the time of surgery were identified: Group I, less than 12 months of age; Group II, between 12 and 36 months of age; and Group III, greater than 36 months of age. Minimum follow-up was 30 months, with an average follow-up for the entire series of 58 months. The radiographic results based on the talocalcaneal index revealed 95 of the 99 feet to have good or acceptable results. The clinical assessment of pain and function mirrored these good results, although, on occasion, the appearance was somewhat less than optimal.