Dynamic pedobarograph in evaluation of varus and valgus foot deformities

Objective documentation of dynamic varus and valgus deformities of the hindfoot is still a clinical dilemma. In a review of spastic foot deformities, clinical, radiographic, and foot pressure data were collected in 108 children with cerebral palsy. According to the clinical assessment, five categories of foot deformities were defined: severe varus, varus, neutral, valgus, and severe valgus. A coronal index of the pedobarograph was determined by comparing the pressure/time integral under the medial column to that under the lateral column of the foot. Coronal index is highly correlated with clinical assessment and offers better information than radiographic measurements in differentiating the clinical categories. The authors recommend the pedobarograph as the primary evaluation tool to measure the severity of deformity for patients with varus and valgus foot dysfunction. The severity of the deformity can be monitored with a single measurement, which has the best correlation with the clinical assessment. The clinical assessment is still the primary tool to determine general patterns, but it is difficult to apply an objective measurement. Radiographic study is most useful for the preoperative assessment when surgery is indicated.

Long-term follow-up of surgery for equinovarus foot deformity in children with cerebral palsy

The factors associated with failed operative intervention in the treatment of equinovarus foot deformity in children with cerebral palsy (CP) were evaluated after long-term follow-up. One hundred eight children with CP who had surgery on the posterior tibialis tendon (split tendon transfer, intramuscular lengthening, or Z-lengthening) on 140 feet were reviewed at a mean age of 16.8 years with 7.3 years of follow-up. The surgery was considered a failure when a 10 degrees or greater varus or valgus hindfoot deformity was present or if an additional operative intervention was required or planned. Involvement of CP, age at operation, and preoperative status of ambulation were significant factors in the outcome of the surgery. Hemiplegic patients demonstrated the best results, regardless of age or surgical procedure. Seventy-five percent of diplegic and quadriplegic patients who were younger than 8 years or who were not capable of community ambulation failed operative intervention, and surgery on the posterior tibialis tendon is not recommended in this group of patients.

Examination of the newborn foot: positional and structural abnormalities

Newborn feet come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The foot is malleable, making it susceptible to compression and deformation from intrauterine positioning. Clinicians frequently question whether variations represent deformations, that is, an alteration in the shape and contour of a normally formed foot, as opposed to a true structural malformation. Distinguishing between a temporary positional deformity and a more serious structural foot malformation is challenging and requires a clear understanding of the anatomy of the foot, its complex embryologic development, and the impact of environmental and intrauterine factors. This installment of Focus on the Physical provides a systematic framework to identify normal, abnormal, and atypical foot deformities in the newborn period. The current theories of pathogenesis are provided, along with a step-by-step approach to the examination of the foot. A series of clinical photographs illustrate talipes equinovarus, metatarsus adductus, talipes calcaneovalgus, and congenital vertical talus. A discussion of the diagnostic studies used to differentiate these abnormalities is provided, along with a brief overview of treatment options. Early recognition and treatment are essential to ensure optimal long-term functional outcomes.

[A case of a middle-age man with equinovarus movement at the end of the swing phase of walking]

We present a case with walking-induced equinovarus caused by dystonic contraction of the left ankle. This abnormal motor behavior occurred only when the patient walked, more specifically when the left leg was at the end of the swing phase. Surface electromyography confirmed continuous abnormal discharges in the left gastrocnemius muscles during the swing phase of walking. Brain and spinal magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs) were normal. The patient was unresponsive to drug therapy. However, the symptom reduced by the attachment of the short leg brace. From the effectiveness of the brace in normalizing, the patient was diagnosed with task-specific focal dystonia of the left leg.

The genetics of idiopathic clubfoot

Idiopathic clubfoot is an uncommon congenital deformity that clusters in families but does not fit typical Mendelian inheritance patterns. Studies done on twins, different incidences in various ethnic groups, and transmission between generations all suggest a genetic component to clubfoot causation. Complex segregation analysis strongly supports the hypothesis that one major gene is responsible for a large portion of the risk for having a clubfoot. A few studies suggest an environmental causation of clubfoot, but are not persuasive. Clubfoot may be etiologically and/or genetically heterogeneous resulting in its complex inheritance pattern. Alternatively, idiopathic clubfoot may require a predisposing gene acting in a particular background of polygenes or environmental influences. Discovery of the cause or causes of clubfoot will provide improved genetic counseling and the potential for improved treatment, and insights into normal foot and leg development.

Talipes equinovarus and maternal smoking: a population-based case-control study in Washington state

BACKGROUND

Talipes equinovarus (TEV), also called congenital idiopathic clubfoot, true clubfoot and common clubfoot, is one of the most common major birth defects. Its correction is often difficult and expensive. Its etiology is poorly understood and few analytic epidemiological studies have been devoted to exploring specific risk factors for TEV.

METHODS

Our population-based study consists of 239 documented cases of idiopathic TEV obtained from hospital and outpatient sources and 365 controls identified via random digit dialing from five Western Washington counties. Structured maternal interviews were conducted by trained interviewers and multiple logistic regression used to evaluate associations between maternal smoking and birth of a child with TEV.

RESULTS

Our study shows strong associations between maternal smoking and idiopathic TEV. Case mothers were more likely to have smoked during pregnancy (OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.5, 3.3). Increased TEV risk was seen with increased smoking and estimates ranged from 1.5 for the lightest smokers to 3.9 for the heaviest smokers. Gender specific differences in risk were also noted with risk estimates of 1.8 (95% CI = 1.2, 3.0) for boys whose mothers smoked during pregnancy and 2.8 (95% CI = 1.4, 5.4) for girls. Trends for increased risk with higher numbers of cigarettes were noted for both genders. For isolated TEV, the overall odds ratio (OR) for smoking was 2.4 (95% CI = 1.6, 3.6) with a range from 1.4-4.6. No confounders were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

As postulated, maternal smoking during pregnancy appears to increase the risk of having a child with idiopathic clubfoot and the number of cigarettes smoked influence that risk. Further delineation of dose-response is warranted as are continued efforts to decrease maternal smoking during pregnancy.

Idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus

The etiology of idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus is unknown, and there is no consensus as to the best treatment. Increasingly, ultrasound is being used to diagnose the condition prenatally, but the diagnosis remains clinical postnatally. Radiographs can help confirm the diagnosis and ascertain the severity of the condition. There are many classification schemes, but none offers adequate prognostic value. The mainstay of treatment is manipulation and casting, usually followed by soft-tissue release. However, some patients have been successfully treated with intensive physiotherapy instead of surgery.

Serial plaster casting to correct equino-varus deformity of the ankle following acquired brain injury in adults

PURPOSE

Proposed mechanisms via which serial casting might effect increased joint range, muscle extensibility and reduced reflex excitability are outlined in this review. Support for these mechanisms stems largely from animal experimental studies. The applicability of these data to human muscle is unknown.

ISSUES

Equino-varus deformity of the ankle is a common secondary complication of acquired brain injury. It results from a combination of sequelae of the brain injury and subsequent immobility, including hypertonia, reduced muscle length and increased stiffness. Some evidence exists for the efficacy of serial plaster casts in the treatment of equino-varus deformity, although most reported studies are uncontrolled and involve small numbers of subjects. Serial casting has been shown to result in decreased resistance to passive lengthening and a reduction in dynamic reflex excitability within the lengthened muscles in children with cerebral palsy. Currently documented effects of serial casting in brain injured adults are limited to changes in range of maximal passive dorsiflexion.

CONCLUSION

Serial casting should be considered as an adjunct to therapy aimed at improving functional mobility. A variety of therapeutic interventions have been used to augment the effect of the casting regime. Factors that have been demonstrated to be associated with a favourable outcome from serial casting, and recommendations for future research are also discussed in this review.

Connective tissue structures in clubfoot: a morphologic study

A morphologic study of connective tissue structures in clubfoot, with special emphasis on the presence of myofibroblasts, was undertaken to investigate the theory of retracting fibrosis as an etiologic factor. Nine idiopathic clubfeet from six patients were studied. Specimens from the medial and lateral capsule, medial and lateral fascia, spring and lacinate ligaments, and flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus, posterior tibialis, and Achilles tendon sheaths were investigated. Fifty specimens were examined using light microscopy and hematoxylin and eosin staining, and 26 were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Light microscopy failed to reveal any myofibroblast-like cells or any qualitative differences between specimens from capsule, fascia, ligaments, and tendon sheath. Using transmission electron microscopy, the authors identified two cell types: fibroblasts and mast cells. Some fibroblasts contained a network of microfilaments but all lacked microbundles, basal lamina, or plasmalemmal attachment plaques seen in typical myofibroblasts. Mast cells were rarely identified in capsular specimens. The absence of myofibroblast-like cells or typical myofibroblasts in clubfoot connective tissue structures does not support the theory of retracting fibrosis as a likely cause of contracture in idiopathic clubfoot.

Review of the effect of early amniocentesis on foot deformity in the neonate

A recent publication by the Canadian Early and Mid-Trimester Amniocentesis Trial Group reported an increase in orthopaedic foot deformities in infants whose mothers underwent an amniocentesis from 11 to 12 + 6 gestational weeks versus a group sampled between 15 to 16 + 6 gestational weeks. Because the sampling of the former group was at the time of maximum foot growth and maximum acquisition of amniotic fluid, the authors hypothesize that the foot deformities are secondary to decreased fetal movement during a key phase in foot and ankle development.

Family history, maternal smoking, and clubfoot: an indication of a gene-environment interaction

Although epidemiologic studies of some birth defects have suggested a gene-smoking interaction, the possibility of this interaction in clubfoot has not been examined. The authors analyzed risk factors among 346 infants with isolated clubfoot and 3,029 infants without defects from the Atlanta Birth Defects Case-Control Study. All infants were born during 1968-1980, and mothers were interviewed in 1982-1983. The authors examined the family history-smoking interaction as an indication of a gene-environment interaction. They defined "smoking" as smoking any time during the first 3 months of pregnancy and "family history" as having a first-degree relative with clubfoot. Conditional logistic regression (matching variables: race, birth hospital, and birth period) was used to obtain effect estimates. The adjusted odds ratios were 1.34 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04, 1.72) for smoking only, 6.52 (95% CI: 2.95, 14.41) for family history only, and 20.30 (95% CI: 7.90, 52.17) for a joint exposure of smoking and family history. The effect estimate for the joint exposure was higher than would be expected under either an additive or a multiplicative model of interaction and showed a statistically significant departure from additivity. This study confirms the importance of familial factors and smoking in the etiology of clubfoot and identifies a potentially important interaction.

Combined cuboid/cuneiform osteotomy for correction of residual adductus deformity in idiopathic and secondary club feet

We used a combined cuboid/cuneiform osteotomy to treat residual adductus deformity in idiopathic and secondary club feet. The mean follow-up for 27 feet (22 idiopathic, four arthrogrypotic and one related to amniotic band syndrome) was 5.0 years (2.0 to 9.8). All healed uneventfully except for one early wound infection. No further surgery was required in the 22 idiopathic club feet but four of five with secondary deformity needed further surgery. At follow-up all patients with idiopathic and two with secondary club feet were free from pain and satisfied with the result. In the idiopathic feet, adductus of the forefoot, as measured by the calcaneal second metatarsal angle, improved on average from 20.7 +/- 2.0 degrees to 8.9 +/- 1.8 degrees (p < 0.05). In four feet, with a follow-up of more than six years, there was complete recurrence of the deformity. In the secondary club feet, there was no improvement of the adductus. We conclude that in most, but not all, idiopathic club feet a cuboid/cuneiform osteotomy can provide satisfactory correction of adductus deformity. Those with secondary deformity require other procedures.

Somatosensory evoked potentials as a means of assessing neurological abnormality in congenital talipes equinovarus

Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) are a very sensitive measure of the functional integrity of the neuroaxis, including peripheral and central structures. When used in diagnostic mode they can provide additional information regarding the probable areas of dysfunction. SSEPs were recorded from 44 children (64 feet with congenital talipes equinovarus, CTEV), between the ages of 2 to 15 years, who had structural CTEV deformity previously treated by surgery, with no clinical evidence of neurological deficit. SSEPs were elicited after sequential and bilateral stimulation (0.1 ms/5 Hz/10 to 20 mA) of the posterior tibial nerve and the common peroneal nerve and were recorded cortically (P40). In half the children, additional recordings were conducted at the knee (N5), the first lumbar spinous process (N14), and the seventh cervical spinous process (N20). Eighteen children had abnormal responses, four children had non-reproducible responses, and 22 children had normal responses. Analysis of the data at different levels of the nervous system showed that eight children had abnormality at the spinal level. The surgical outcome was influenced by the neurological abnormality, with an excellent or good outcome in 34 of 36 feet with normal neurology and 19 of 28 feet where a deficit was present (p<0.05). These findings support the neurological theory as an etiological factor in CTEV deformity.

Wedge-shaped distal tibial epiphysis in the pathogenesis of equinovalgus deformity of the foot and ankle in tibial lengthening for fibular hemimelia

Fibular hemimelia is associated with an equinovalgus deformity of the foot and ankle and different degrees of wedging of the distal tibial epiphysis. This deformity is often a major problem during lengthening of the shortened tibia. To determine the significance of the wedge-shaped distal tibial epiphysis in the pathogenesis of the equinovalgus deformity of the foot and ankle during and after lengthening, we reviewed 20 patients who had undergone tibial lengthening by either the Wagner or the Ilizarov technique. The mean duration of follow-up after removal of the fixator was 5.2 years (range, 2.3-9.7 years). Three types of wedge-shaped distal tibial epiphyses were identified. A mildly wedged (type I) epiphysis was found in seven patients, a moderately wedged (type II) epiphysis was found in seven patients, and a severely wedged (type III) epiphysis, in six patients. Premature fusion of the lateral part of the distal tibial physis and growth retardation of the tibia were common after lengthening in patients with the type II or type III epiphysis. After lengthening, all patients with a type II or type III epiphysis had a recurrence or aggravation of foot deformities that existed before lengthening. This usually necessitated various secondary operative procedures to obtain a plantigrade foot. We believe that after lengthening, one should anticipate varying degrees of mild growth retardation and minimal foot deformity in patients with type I epiphysis, worsened asymmetric growth retardation and progressive foot deformity in patients with type II epiphysis, and severe growth retardation and severe foot deformity in patients with type III epiphysis.

Care of the pediatric foot in myelodysplasia

Foot deformity is present in almost all patients paralyzed by myelomeningocele. This article outlines the pertinent pathoanatomy resulting in differing foot deformities and their effects on normal gait. Treatment of these deformities is discussed, and the most common deformities present for the different levels of paralysis are outlined. Emphasis is placed on surgical and orthotic treatments, which result in functional improvements for the pediatric patient with spina bifida.

Foot deformities in adolescents and young adults with spina bifida

Spina bifida is generally accompanied by a high incidence of foot deformities. The goal of management is to achieve a plantigrade foot. Deformities are related to the level of the lesion. With thoracic lesions, the most frequent deformity is an equinus lesion (55%), a club foot with mid-lumbar lesion (87%) and a calcaneal foot with sacral lesions (34%). No deformity was present in 56% of feet in sacral lesion children. Club foot surgery before the age of 2 years entails a high rate of recurrence (78%), necessitating redo surgery. A calcaneo-valgus deformity developed in 45% of ambulating patients with sacral lesions requiring operative stabilization of the foot. Patients with sacral lesions were almost the only ones who remained ambulators. Ambulation was not seen to be related to foot deformities in adolescents and young adults.

Cerebral palsy. Evaluation and management of equinus and equinovarus deformities

Walking function may be enhanced by correcting equinus and equinovarus deformities in CP. Nonoperative management should be used in young children. Muscle balancing procedures, such as gastrocnemius aponeurosis lengthening, Achilles' tendon lengthening, and SPLATT, are particularly useful in correcting these deformities.

Resistant talipes equinovarus associated with congenital constriction band syndrome

Thirty-seven clubfeet in 28 patients with concomitant congenital constriction band syndrome were reviewed. The bands were considered to be of significance if located in the calf region (zone 2). The severity of the bands was classified. Grade 1 bands involved subcutaneous tissue, grade 2 bands extended to the fascia, grade 3 bands extended to the fascia and required release, and grade 4 bands were congenital amputations. The patients were divided based on neurologic deficit. Group A consisted of 26 clubfeet without neurologic deficit and had 1.4 surgeries per clubfoot. Group B consisted of 11 clubfeet with neurologic deficit and had 3.7 surgeries per clubfoot. Children with grade 3 bands in zone 2 were most likely to have a neurologic deficit. Twenty-three clubfeet had a good clinical result, seven clubfeet fair, and seven clubfeet poor. Group B had poorer results than Group A. These feet ultimately required numerous and more extensive surgeries to obtain correction, and ultimately had a poorer result.

Limb deformations in oligohydramnios sequence: effects of gestational age and duration of oligohydramnios

In order to study the pathogenesis of prenatal deformities, we reviewed maternal histories, delivery records, pathology reports, radiographs, and photographs of 90 fetuses with prenatally documented oligohydramnios at gestational ages from 14 weeks to term. The causes of oligohydramnios included premature rupture of membranes (44 cases), fetal renal insufficiency (25 cases), idiopathic (15 cases), and twin-twin transfusion (6 cases). The fetuses were grouped according to gestational age at delivery and duration of oligohydramnios. Sixty-three fetuses (70%) had documented contractures. As expected, contractures were more frequent with earlier onset and longer duration of oligohydramnios. During the 2nd trimester, the frequency of contractures in fetuses with oligohydramnios was 77% compared to 52% in the 3rd trimester (chi(2) = 5.33, 1 df, P =.02). Considering all gestational ages together, 57% of fetuses had contractures after less than 2 weeks of oligohydramnios compared to 81% of fetuses with a longer duration of oligohydramnios (chi2 = 6.23, 1 df, P <.02). The type of contracture varied with gestational age. Clubfoot was the most frequent at all ages, but hand contractures such as camptodactyly were common only in the 2nd trimester while the broad flat hand originally described in Potter sequence was found almost exclusively in the fetuses with oligohydramnios in the 3rd trimester. Of the 63 fetuses with oligohydramnios and contractures, 25 (40%) had either additional malformations or family history that could explain contractures independent of oligohydramnios.

Congenital idiopathic clubfoot

Clubfoot or talipes equinovarus is a complex deformity characterized by three distinct manifestations. The foot is in an equinus position; the forefoot and heel are in varus; and the entire foot is supinated. While the exact etiology of this problem remains unknown, many advancements have been made in the treatment of clubfeet. The surgical procedure is progressive and tailored according the severity of the deformity. Pain management, thorough neurovascular assessments, and education of the family are essential to caring for these patients.

[Congenital equinovarus clubfoot]

A congenital clubfoot is often associated with a neuromuscular disease, a chromosomal anomaly, or a syndrome. The present review will only study the idiopathic clubfoot seen in an otherwise normal child. It is considered nowadays that a clubfoot is secondary to a defect in the spontaneous "rotation-elevation" mechanism which should occur between the 9th and 10th week of fetal development. Several possible factors influence the embryonic development: genetic, neurologic, muscular, environmental, and toxic factors. Modern notions of anatomy and physiology of the foot allow a better understanding of the deformations seen in a clubfoot: calcaneo-forefoot block, talonavicular joint double "belonging", notion of "relative" hindfoot supination. The osteo-articular deformations involve mainly the talus, the calcaneus, the navicular. They are associated to articular stiffness secondary to soft tissue retractions like the posterolateral, anteromedial, and the anterolateral fibrous knots. Prenatal diagnosis can be made using the ultrasound which is usually performed at 20 weeks of gestation. Nevertheless, only the clinical exam at birth will evaluate the degree of severity of the clubfoot based upon its reducibility, the presence of skin creases, and the importance of muscular atrophy. Imaging techniques (especially standard x-ray) are useless diagnostic tools. They will be necessary for the follow-up, the evaluation of residual defects, and for the possible surgical indications. Conservative treatment is used first, and in the hands of experienced teams will give a sufficient correction in 70 to 80% of the patients. The surgical treatment is used to complete the correction obtained by conservative means. Surgical treatment will free the retracted soft tissues. Postoperatively the foot will be immobilized in the appropriate position for 2 to 3 months. Clubfoot treatments are associated with complications which have to be known to avoid them if possible and/or to be able to take the appropriate therapeutic actions when necessary. The results of clubfoot treatment are satisfactory in the majority of patients despite the treatment difficulties and the possible relapses during growth. Follow-up is mandatory until the end of growth.

[Treatment of spastic equinovarus foot in the hemiplegic adult by retrograde fixation of the peroneus brevis tendon onto the anterior tibialis tendon]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of the present study was to assess the Bardot procedure in the treatment of equinovarus deformities of the foot in spastic hemiplegia. This procedure associates the fixation of the peroneus brevis distal tendon onto the tibialis anterior, heel-cord lengthening, and tenotomies of the flexores digitorum.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty-six patients underwent this procedure between 1989 and 1996. The indication for surgery was equinovarus deformity in adult spastic hemiplegia. Preoperatively all the patients had an instability and 80.5 per cent of them had to wear an ankle and foot orthesis. Postoperatively forty-one patients with a mean follow up of 3.5 years (range: one to 9 years), were available for examination including 24 females and 17 males with a mean age of 46 years at time of surgery (range: 27 to 76).

RESULTS

All the patients were objectively improved. Seven of them had a discreet residual varus deformity, but none felt unstable. They all were able to walk barefooted, only one patient still required an adapted shoe. The gait and the quality of live were subjectively improved for 92.7 per cent of the patients. None of the patients has been worsened.

DISCUSSION

When spastic equinovarus disturbs significantly quality of live, tendon re-balancement of the hemiplegic foot should be proposed. The fixation of the distal tendon of the peroneus brevis onto the tibialis anterior is effectively performed only if this latter is efficient in the swing phase of gait. If there is no fixed contracture, neurosurgery or chemotherapy are preferable. In case of irreducible articular deformities arthrodesis could be indicated.

CONCLUSION

Tendon re-balancement in hemiplegic foot using a peroneus tendon fixation onto the tibialis anterior should be carried out after examination by a team of specialists (surgeon, neurosurgeon, rehabilitation team). In such conditions it offers constantly an improvement to the patients.

Unilateral tibial hemimelia with leg length inequality and varus foot: external fixator treatment

A 15-year-old girl with type II unilateral hemimelia presented with a 13.5-cm shortening of her right leg, absence of the distal half of the tibia, tibiofibular synostosis, and medial dislocation of a cavus and varus foot. She was treated by means of an external fixator. The shortening was significantly corrected, and realignment of the foot with the limb was achieved. An arthrodesis of the talus and lower end of the fibula was carried out operatively and stabilized with an external fixator. In the same surgical procedure, we performed an osteotomy of the tibiofibular synostosis, and progressive distraction was done with another external fixator. We emphasize the advantages of progressive distraction for the correction of congenital deformities of the limbs.

Genetic epidemiology study of idiopathic talipes equinovarus

Previous genetic studies of idiopathic talipes equinovarus (ITEV) suggest an environmental and genetic component to the etiology of ITEV. The present study was undertaken to assess the role of causal factors in the development of ITEV. A total of 285 propositi were ascertained, with detailed family history information available in 173 cases and medical records on the remaining 112 propositi. Information was collected on specific prenatal, parental, and demographic factors. No racial heterogeneity was noted among any of the factors. The overall ratio of affected males to females was 2.5:1. The incidence of twinning among all propositi was significantly increased (P=0.006) above the expected population frequency. A family history of ITEV was noted in 24.4% of all propositi studied. These findings, in addition to the detailed analysis of 53 pedigrees with ITEV history, suggest the potential role of a gene or genes operating in high-risk families to produce this foot deformity.

Giant ossified cavernous hemangioma of an extremity associated with an equinovarus deformity

A 39-year-old woman suffered from swelling and tenderness of the right leg for 31 years. Imaging studies showed a large soft tissue lesion on the right side extending from the proximal portion of the thigh to the ankle. She underwent several operations due to the leg mass and associated equinovarus deformity of the right ankle. The pathologic findings were those of an ossified cavernous hemangioma. This appears to be one of the largest hemangiomas to be reported. It revealed the three types of calcification characteristic of hemangiomas. Equinovarus deformity of the ankle caused by contracture of the calf in this case was probably related to repeated bleeding.

Amniotic band syndrome

Amniotic band syndrome is an uncommon, congenital fetal abnormality with multiple disfiguring and disabling manifestations. A wide spectrum of clinical deformities are encountered and range from simple ring constrictions to major craniofacial and visceral defects. Lower extremity limb malformations are extremely common and consist of asymmetric digital ring constrictions, distal atrophy, congenital intrauterine amputations, acrosyndactyly, lymphedema and clubfoot. Although debated, early amnion rupture with subsequent entanglement of fetal parts (mostly limbs and appendages) by amniotic strands is the primary theory of pathogenesis. The sporadic nature of this congenital anomaly is discussed, as well as a case study involving the surgical correction of an associated rigid clubfoot deformity.

[Bone lengthening and soft tissue correction using the Ilizarov technique]

From March 1989 to September 1995 at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Vienna General Hospital 31 limb-lengthenings or corrections of the soft-tissue (contractions of joints, clubfeet) using the Ilizarov method were performed. 15 patients have already finished growth. All complications were analysed according to Paley's classification. The tibia-group (n=13) reached an average lengthening of 3.5 cm (2-5.7 cm) [16% (6-35%) of the initial length] with a healing index of 1.7 mo/cm and a complication rate of 42%. In the femur-group (n=8) a mean lengthening of 5.4 cm (2.5-9.4 cm) [21% (7-34%) of the initial length] could be achieved with a healing rate of 1.3 mo/cm and a complication rate of 40%. The ulna-group (n=3) reached an average lengthening of 2.6 cm (2.2-3.4 cm) [21% (17-24%) or the initial length] with a healing index of 1.4 mo/cm and a complication rate of 17%. The knee contracture group (n=2) was free of complications. The Ilizarov technique has been performed successfully in a high percentage although extensive elongations reported by Ilizarov could not be achieved neither by us nor by other authors. The above-mentioned method has been proved to be efficient and successful to correct deformities of the soft-tissue.

Tendon transfer for equinovarus deformed foot caused by cerebrovascular disease

Surgical correction was performed on 125 patients who had equinovarus deformity caused by a cerebrovascular accident and who needed an ankle foot orthosis for walking. The operative procedures involved anterior transfer of the long toe flexors (flexor hallux longus and flexor digitorum longus; long toe flexor group) or lateral transfer of the anterior tibial tendon (anterior tibial tendon group), combined with lengthening of the Achilles tendon. On evaluation more than 2 years after surgery, 83 of 110 patients of the long toe flexor group and eight of 15 patients of the anterior tibial tendon group were able to walk without a brace. Five patients of the anterior tibial tendon group who had shown strong contraction of the anterior tibial muscle during the swing phase before surgery, needed a brace because of a drop foot after surgery. Thus, lateral transfer of the anterior tibial tendon was abandoned in 1984. Recurrence of varus deformity was seen in approximately 15% of the patients in both groups. Anterior transfer of the long toe flexors, using them as dorsiflexor tendons or for tenodesis, seemed to produce better results.

Muscle and tendon size relationships in a paralyzed chick embryo model of clubfoot

Clubfoot is a birth defect that may be related to muscle weakness or imbalance. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among muscle and tendon size and embryonic motility in a paralyzed chick embryo model of clubfoot and arthrogryposis. Decamethonium bromide, a neuromuscular blocking agent, was administered to a series of embryos in five dosage groups, producing a cohort of embryos with various degrees of paralysis and atrophy of tendons and muscle. Embryonic movement frequency was monitored, and after death in late gestation, the cross-sectional areas of the calf musculature and the gastrocnemius tendon proximal to the ankle were measured histologically. Significant correlations were found between embryonic motility and both muscle (r2 = 0.52) and tendon (r2 = 0.77) areas. In addition, a significant correlation (r2 = 0.74) was found between muscle and tendon areas, suggesting that a measurement of one may be used to predict the other.

Low-dose botulinum toxin with ankle taping for the treatment of spastic equinovarus foot after stroke

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of a combined treatment for spastic foot using selective injections of botulinum toxin (BTA) into the tibialis posterior muscle followed by ankle taping, and to compare it with current BTA treatment procedure.

DESIGN

Single-blind randomized control trial. Three-month follow-up after treatment.

SETTING

Neurorehabilitation clinic.

SUBJECTS

Eighteen outpatients with equinovarus foot due to severe spasticity after stroke.

INTERVENTIONS

(1) Injection of 190 to 320 BTA U into several calf muscles (group A); (2) injection of 100 BTA U into the tibialis posterior muscle, followed by ankle-foot taping (group B).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Ankle range of motion (ROM), Ashworth scale, gait velocity, and step length.

RESULTS

Average Ashworth scores decreased 1 point in both groups, but the benefit appeared of shorter duration in group B. Changes in both foot position at rest and passive ankle ROM were observed in all patients, without treatment-related differences, except for gain in passive dorsiflexion that appeared higher in group A. Gait velocity and step length showed similar increases in both groups.

CONCLUSION

The combination of selective injections of low BTA doses with ankle-foot taping is as effective as the injection of the current doses for the reduction of foot inversion with positive effects on gait parameters.

Operative management of foot and ankle equinovarus associated with focal dystonia

Six surgical procedures, consisting of tendon transfers and releases, were performed in five patients with idiopathic focal dystonia involving the lower extremity. All patients were female. Surgical management was performed to correct clinically significant foot abnormalities. The goal of each procedure was functional improvement and obtaining a plantigrade foot. The SPLATT (split anterior tibial tendon transfer) procedure was performed in each foot with a flexible equinovarus foot abnormality. Follow up at a mean of 27.2 months (range, 8-40 months) yielded satisfactory clinical results without significant complications. Clinical equinovarus has not recurred after this procedure. All patients remain brace-free ambulators.

Randomised trial to assess safety and fetal outcome of early and midtrimester amniocentesis. The Canadian Early and Mid-trimester Amniocentesis Trial (CEMAT) Group

BACKGROUND

Most published reports on early amniocentesis are of cohort studies rather than randomised trials. This study was designed to assess the safety and cytogenetic accuracy of early amniocentesis in-contrast to midtrimester amniocentesis in a randomised multicentre setting.

METHODS

Pregnant women were randomly allocated early amniocentesis (between 11(+0) and 12(+6) gestational weeks(days)) or midtrimester (between 15(+0) and 16(+6) gestational weeks(days)) amniocentesis. A detailed fetal ultrasound examination was done between 15 and 20 gestational weeks in all women. All amniocenteses were done under continuous ultrasound guidance: 11 mL (early amniocentesis) or 20 mL (midtrimester amniocentesis) of amniotic fluid were removed for cytogenic analysis. No more than two needle insertions were done on the same day. All fetal losses (spontaneous or induced abortions) were counted as outcome events and post-procedural losses had cytogenic analysis. Maternal and fetal health were assessed at 20-22 weeks and 5 weeks after delivery. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the significance of the differences between the early amniocentesis and midtrimester amniocentesis groups.

FINDINGS

4374 pregnant women took part in the study. 1916 (87.8%) of 2183 women in the early amniocentesis group had their amniocentesis before 13 gestational weeks. 1775 (81.2%) of 2185 women in the midtrimester group had their amniocentesis after 15 gestational weeks. There was a significant difference in total fetal losses for early amniocentesis compared with midtrimester amniocentesis (7.6% vs 5.9%; difference 1.7%, one-sided CI 2.98%, p = 0.012). There was a significant increase in talipes equinovarus in the early amniocentesis group compared with the midtrimester amniocentesis group (1.3% vs 0.1%, p = 0.0001). There was a significant difference in postprocedural amniotic-fluid leakage (early amniocentesis 3.5% vs midtrimester amniocentesis 1.7%, p = 0.0007).

INTERPRETATION

Our study shows that early amniocentesis is associated with an increased risk of fetal loss and talipes equinovarus. Our results should be taken into consideration when invasive prenatal diagnosis is being offered.

Split anterior tibial transfer for spastic equinovarus foot deformity: retrospective study of 73 operated feet

The aim of this study was to describe the long-term results of split tibialis transfer in patients with stroke, cerebral palsy, and brain damage due to trauma, tumor, or infection. An evaluation was made of 73 feet in 69 patients with tendon transfer or lengthening for an average follow-up period of 44 months (range, 1 to 14 years). The primary indications for surgery included pain caused by pressure of the foot or toes on the floor or in shoes, ankle instability due to varus deformity, or difficulty wearing orthopedic shoes or braces chi(2) tests were used to compare preoperative and postoperative autonomy, and shoe and orthosis requirements. The results of this study include significant improvement in patient autonomy (p < 0.001), demonstrated by an improved ability to ambulate independently and a decreased need to wear orthopedic shoes (p < 0.001) and orthoses (p < 0.001), as well as an increased ability to wear normal shoes (p < 0.001). This procedure is safe and yields good results with minimal complications. The indications are very common, inasmuch as the number of young hemiplegic or tetraplegic patients surviving after a stroke or head injury is increasing. This procedure can result in definite improvement for these disabled patients and can increase their autonomy.

Split tibialis posterior tendon transfer in the treatment of spastic equinovarus foot

Sixteen patients with cerebral palsy causing equinovarus deformity were treated surgically. All of these patients underwent preoperative gait analysis by using a CODA-3 motion analyzer. The equinus deformity was assessed by using sagittal kinematics, and in particular, the range of movement of the ankle during stance phase and the maximal dorsiflexion during swing. The varus deformity was assessed by the degree of varus of the foot at prepositioning. The degree of varus was obtained by measuring the angle generated between the plane of progression and a line joining a marker on the heel to a marker on the fifth metatarsal in the transverse plane. All patients underwent split tibialis posterior tendon transfer and, in 13, this was combined with tendo calcaneus lengthening. Clinical assessment and gait analysis repeated 1 year postoperatively confirmed good outcome after split tibialis posterior tendon transfer in combination with gastrocnemius lengthening. This was confirmed by using sagittal kinematic analysis and quantitative assessment of the degree of varus of the foot at the time of prepositioning.

Management of clubfoot deformity in amyoplasia

Forty-one clubfeet in 22 patients with amyoplasia were studied retrospectively at a mean duration after surgery of 118 months (range, 45-253). The clubfeet were managed by a regimen including initial stretching casts, posteromedial release, and postoperative splinting at night. The mean age at the time of surgery was 7.3 months. Correction of deformity without recurrence was achieved in 11 (27%). Recurrent deformity was corrected by serial casting in eight feet and required secondary operative procedures in 20 feet. In the feet without recurrence of deformity, the duration of splinting at night after surgery was significantly longer than in those with recurrence (p < 0.05). At follow-up, 39 (95%) feet were plantigrade and were considered satisfactory. Our findings suggest that most clubfeet in amyoplasia can be effectively corrected by posteromedial release and that the recurrence of deformity can be reduced by splinting at night and often corrected by serial cast treatment.

Randomised study of risk of fetal loss related to early amniocentesis versus chorionic villus sampling

BACKGROUND

Several cohort studies have shown the feasibility of early amniocentesis (between 11 and 13 weeks of gestation) as an alternative to chorionic villus sampling (CVS) for karyotyping, but the only completed randomised study of fetal safety showed a significant fetal-loss risk related to first-trimester amniocentesis. We assessed fetal safety in early amniocentesis and CVS.

METHODS

We assessed early amniocentesis at 11-13 weeks gestational age compared with the fetal risk associated with CVS at 10-12 weeks. 1160 pregnant women were randomly assigned one procedure (581 early amniocentesis, 579 CVS) after a baseline ultrasound examination at 10 weeks' gestation and were followed up until birth. Total fetal loss and neonatal morbidity were the primary outcome measures. Sampling success and pregnancy complications were secondary outcomes. We used a filter to increase the cell yield in the early amniotic-fluid samples. CVS was transabdominal.

FINDINGS

We found a significantly increased occurrence of talipes equinovarus in the early amniocentesis group (p < 0.01), the risk of which was associated with sampling at the earliest gestational ages and with temporary leakage of amniotic fluid after sampling. Therefore, the trial was stopped early, which reduced the power of the safety study. 4.8% (27) of fetuses in the CVS group and 5.4% (30) in the early amniocentesis group were lost after randomisation (p = 0.66). More detailed survival analysis did not show any significant differences in fetal loss rates. Leakage of amniotic fluid after sampling occurred significantly more frequently after early amniocentesis than after CVS (p < 0.001), but we found no other major differences in pregnancy complications. Significantly more CVS than early amniocentesis procedures were repeated or failed to produce a karyotype (p < 0.01).

INTERPRETATION

Even though the numbers were small, we found an association between early amniocentesis and talipes equinovarus. We believe this association to be true, since it supports a trend in a similar randomised study. Our results show that early amniocentesis, when done with the filter technique, is associated with an abortion risk similar to CVS, although the limited size of our study population reduced the strength of this conclusion.

Congenital clubfoot. Month of conception

The medical records of 330 children who were born with uncomplicated congenital clubfoot were reviewed retrospectively. To determine their months of conception, the duration of gestation was extrapolated and those which were less than 40 weeks were noted. The years of conception for the studied children were from 1956 to 1994. Months of the year were ascribed angle values and the distribution of conceptions per month were grouped in radial manner. Using a circular analysis for variance a lack of uniform circular distribution was found for the grouped months of conception. There is a significant seasonal variation in the data. The mean month of conception was June. This finding is at variance with the peak months of conception for the population of the United States for the years 1989 through 1993. The theory that congenital clubfoot is caused by an intrauterine Enterovirus may be supported by this data. The summer and fall peak of Enterovirus infections in temperate climates coincide with the stage of embryologic development (> 8 weeks) which would allow an anterior horn cell lesion to lead to a deformity such as congenital club foot.