Demographic evaluation of children with clubfoot admitted for postero–medial soft tissue release: An institutional study

Objective: The study was aimed at evaluating the demographic characteristics of CTEV children requiring surgical intervention.

Methodology: An observational study was done in Balaji Institute of Surgery research and rehabilitation for the disabled from October 2007 to May 2009. 35 children with 57 idiopathic club foot requiring soft tissue release by different approaches were taken for study. Severity of deformity were recorded by DiMeglio scores. Radiological assessment was done by AP and lateral radiographs of ankle and foot, Talo-calcaneal angles, Talo – 1st metatarsal angle was measured. The demographic characteristics was recorded.

Results: The mean age at the time of surgery was 18.75 months with a range of 10 months to 36 months. Out of 35 patients, 27 patients were male and 8 patients were female with a ratio of 3.37:1. 20 children were first child of family, 11 children were 2^nd order child and 4 children were third order delivery. 3 feet were benign feet, 14 feet were moderate feet, 38 feet were severe feet and 2 feet were very severe feet as per DiMeglio classification.

Conclusion: In our study 77.14 % of male children and 22.85 % of female children are affected with club foot with 62.85 % bilateral involvement among children requiring Posteromedial soft tissue release We had male to female ratio 3.4:1of 57 feet 66% of severe grade DiMeglio club foot were in age group of 1 to 3 among the children for surgery.