Outcomes of a Minimally Invasive Approach for Congenital Vertical Talus With a Comparison Between the Idiopathic and Syndromic Feet

Background: Congenital vertical talus (CVT) is a rare congenital foot disorder. Approximately half of the affected children have associated neuromuscular syndromes which may further complicate the treatment. The traditional treatment involved extensive soft tissue and bony reconstructions. The minimally invasive method (Dobbs method/reverse Ponseti) has changed the treatment of CVT. There is significant variation of the reported outcome of this method in the current literature. In this study we report the outcome of this minimally invasive technique for treatment of CVT and compare the results of treatment in syndromic and idiopathic patients. Methods: Idiopathic and syndromic patients treated from CVT with minimally invasive method from 2006 till 2016 were included in this retrospective study. We reviewed the patients' notes, radiographs and collected parents reported outcome questionnaire (Roye score) in addition to clinical examination to comprehensively report the treatment outcome. Results: A total of 21 patients 30 feet were included in this study. The average age of commencing treatment was 6 months (1 to 17 mo). The mean follow-up was 6.5 years (1 to 11 y). Correction of the deformities and abnormal angles were achieved in all feet. Five of the 17 syndromic feet had recurrence while no recurrence was reported in any if the 13 idiopathic feet. At the time of the index procedure no supplementary procedures were required. The average arc of motion for foot ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion was 30 degrees. Patients with idiopathic CVT had a mean the Roye score of 11 while syndromic patients had a mean score of 22. Conclusion: The minimally invasive method is a valuable option for treatment of CVT. Idiopathic patients had no recurrence and better functional scores compared syndromic patients. There was no requirement for supplementary procedures such as tibialis anterior transfer or anterolateral release at the time of the initial surgery.