Comparison of outcome between idiopathic and non-idiopathic congenital vertical talus treated with soft tissue release

The aim of the study was to compare the clinical, radiological and functional outcomes between idiopathic and non-idiopathic congenital vertical talus (CVT) treated with soft tissue release. All the consecutive cases with CVT treated with soft tissue release were prospectively followed up. Indication for soft tissue release was either late presented or failed serial manipulation and cast application. Nineteen children (33 feet) with a minimum follow-up of 2 years following the soft tissue release (the mean 5.5 years follow-up) were included. The children without any other joint involvement with the normal spine without syndromic association were categorized as idiopathic (15 feet) and the rest were categorized as non-idiopathic (18 feet). Clinical and radiological scoring was done using Adelaar and Kodros scores. The morphological, functional and radiological outcomes were assessed using the International Clubfoot Study Group evaluation scale. The clinical, radiological and functional outcomes of the idiopathic and non-idiopathic groups were compared. The range of motion was significantly higher in the idiopathic group. The functional outcome was satisfactory in both groups. All the radiological parameters improved significantly in both groups. The functional outcome was considerably better in the idiopathic group. There was no significant difference in clinical and radiological outcomes among the two groups. Soft tissue release is an effective surgery for deformity correction in children with CVT. A good clinical outcome is observed in both groups. The range of motion was significantly higher in the idiopathic group. The overall outcome was similar in both groups.