Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of Ilizarov external fixator (IEF) and minimal invasive surgery (MIS) in correction of neglected club foot (NCF).
Methods: Thirty-seven feet in 24 child, between five and 15 years old were diagnosed as NCF. All were treated with Achilles tendon lengthening (ATL) and IEF for gradual correction. After IEF removal, cast was applied for six weeks to maintain correction of the deformity.
Results: There were 20 boys and four girls. Seven children had left (Lt), four children had right (Rt) while 13 children had bilateral foot deformity. The mean age at surgery was 10.3 (range 5-15) years with an average follow-up of 32.5 (range 24-96) months. All feet were graded as severe according to Pirani score. All feet were corrected after an average six weeks in IEF. After two years follow-up, 23 feet (16 patients) showed good results, five feet (3 patients) showed fair results and four feet (2 patients) had Rt side foot fair result while the Lt foot had good result in both patients. Five feet (3 patients) showed poor results. Eight patients had pin site infection. One case had infected skin and subcutaneous tissue and needed debridement. Two cases developed skin sloughing, changes in color and needed close follow-up.
Conclusion: We recommend combined IEF and MIS as a suitable, efficient and successful salvage procedure in the management of severe idiopathic NCF in children especially in developing countries.
Keywords: Ilizarov external fixator; Minimal invasive surgery; Neglected clubfoot; Sub-Saharan Africa; Talipes equinovarus.
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