TURCO’S POSTERO-MEDIAL RELEASE FOR CONGENITAL TALIPES EQUINO-VARUS

Background: Talipes equino-varus is the most common congenital orthopaedic anomaly. There are various methods for its management. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of Turco’s one stage postero-medial release in children with congenital talipes equinovarus. Material and Methods: This observational study was conducted from January 2004 to December 2005 in Orthopaedic Unit, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, Pakistan. Forty patients of less than 3 years age, with moderate to severe deformity were treated by Turco’s one stage postero-medial release. They were followed for one year. The results were drawn according to the modified McKay rating system. Results: Out of forty patients, 21 (52.5%) were males and 19 (47.5%) females. Twelve (30%) patients had bilateral while 28 (70%) unilateral deformity. Five (12.5%) of these patients had family history of clubfoot. Post-operatively after one year only 30 (75%) patients were available for evaluation. On McKay rating sys- tem, 18 (60%) patients had excellent results, 6 (20%) good results, 1 (3.3%) fair results, 3 (10%) poor results and 2 (6.6%) patients were labeled as failure. Conclusion: Patients with congenital talipes equino-varus can be successfully treated in most of the cases by Turco’s one stage postero-medial release.