Motor Electrophysiological Studies in Congenital Talipes Equinovarus

Abstract

Background: Neurological changes in children with congenital talipes equinovarus are seen with variable
frequency. Present study aims to detect the neurological deficit in children with congenital talipes
equinovarus (clubfoot).
Methods: Motor electrophysiological studies were performed on 21 children (31 club feet) aged 2-12 years
with grade 2 and 3 congenital talipes equinovarus previously treated by lateral-posteromedial release.
Results: Nerve conduction, H-reflex and electromyographic abnormalities were found in 10 children. This
suggests that it is a heterogeneous problem with 5 children showing axonal neuropathy, 4 children
peripheral neuropathy and one child denervation changes. The neurological deficit probably contributed to
the severity of the deformity as 7 of 11 children with grade 3 deformity had deficit (P<0.05).
Conclusion: We support the concept that abnormal neurology is a prime factor in the development of club
foot deformity