Abstract
Aims: To test the hypothesis that there is a trend to over correction in talipes patients who demonstrate signs of generalised joint laxity.
Patients and Methods: 45 patients with an average age of 6.9yrs(3–16) were examined for generalised joint laxity using the Biro score. This gave 65 feet (20 bilateral) for clinical assessment using the podoscope and graded based on Tachdijans flat foot score.
Results: The results were assessed and the patients divided into 2 groups depending on whether or not they had joint laxity. This left 19 patients with 26 feet in the non-lax group and 26 patients with 39 feet in the lax group. The 2 groups were then compared to see if there was a difference in flat foot grade. In the non-lax group 2 patients showed evidence of over-correction whereas in the lax group 18 patients(25 feet)were over corrected to some extent. Using the fisher’s exact test there was a significant difference between the 2 groups with a trend towards over correction in those with generalised joint laxity (p=. 002).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study there is a correlation between generalised joint laxity and over correction in congenital talipes equinovarus.
Local Host: British Society for Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery. Conference Theme: Congenital Deficiencies of the Lower Limb. These abstracts were prepared by A.Catterall.
