Midfoot Osteotomy Versus 8-Plate Epiphysiodesis for Residual Metatarsal Adductus in Relapsed Congenital Talipes Equinovarus

Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV) is a significant musculoskeletal deformity affecting children globally. It is characterized by hindfoot varus, midfoot cavus, forefoot adduction, and ankle equines (1). The Ponseti method has proven to be highly effective and is now the gold standard for treatment. However, long-term follow-up studies indicate a variable relapse rate. Timely diagnosis of relapse is crucial, underscoring the importance of regular follow-up visits (2).

Nowadays the method has replaced the surgery and served as the gold standard for the treatment of congenital clubfoot in pediatric orthopedics(3) . However, it is still challenging to treat severe cases such as neglected or relapsed clubfoot in older children(4). Among the deformities, residual forefoot adduction with supination after treatment is a common issue which is also referred to as the "bean-shaped foot"( 5) . According to Jasiewicz et.al study, the combination of a cuboid closing with a cuneiform opening wedge osteotomy or with a trans-midfoot osteotomy is currently the most popular procedure to correct the residual forefoot adduction(6).

However, complications such as neurovascular lesion, non-union or permanent foot stiffness might occur as a result of the operation. In addition, the tarsal growth plate and cartilaginous area could be compromised due to the difficulty in manipulating the osteotomy and fixation process(7). 8-plate is one of the major methods that gained popularity quickly due to temporary growth impediment of the physis without damaging it irreversibly, and is suitable for a variety of indications including different plane deformities around the knee and limb length discrepancies(8). However, there are a few reports regarding 8-plates in individuals with clubfoot deformities. Recently, guided growth techniques using temporary epiphysiodesis (8 -plate) have been introduced as a minimally invasive alternative that allows gradual correction by modulating growth.However, high-quality comparative clinical evidence between these two techniques is lacking.

The current research is the first one to compare the clinical, radiological, and patient satisfaction outcome of midfoot osteotomy versus eight -Plate epiphysiodesis for residual metatarsal adductus in relapsed clubfoot.The purpose of this prospective study is to show the best technique to achieve patient satisfaction.