ABSTRACT
Equinovarus deformity is seen occasionally with tarsal coalitions when it presents as a rigid deformity akin to teratologic types. The diagnosis of the clubfoot or congenital talipes equinovarus can be made antenatally by ultrasound imaging. Children with clubfeet that fail to respond completely after at least two applications of the Ponseti technique are potential candidates for open surgical releases. They are in a minority and probably represent a different aetiological group; often they are cases with bilateral involvement. Talectomy is reserved for severe cases when no other method to restore a plantigrade foot has prevailed. It has been reported to be a satisfactory choice for resistant equinovarus deformity in multiple congenital contractures (arthrogryposis), but the advent of gradual correction by the Ilizarov fixator has reduced the need of this salvage procedure. Idiopathic clubfeet respond well to the Ponseti method of treatment.
