Recurrent clubfoot (CF) remains a challenging orthopedic condition, often requiring surgical intervention due to deformity rigidity and scarring from previous treatments. External fixation, particularly the Ilizarov technique, has emerged as a promising approach to correct recurrent and complex CF deformities. However, there is considerable variability in reported results regarding success and recurrence rates.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of external fixation with a focus on success rates, recurrence rates, and complication profiles in patients treated for recurrent CF.

A systematic search of five databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library) was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies evaluating external fixation for recurrent clubfoot and reporting quantitative data on success and recurrence rates were included. A total of 438 records were screened and 21 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction was performed on demographic characteristics, treatment details, and outcomes. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model to pool success and recurrence rates.

The review analyzed 21 studies involving 489 treated feet in 406 patients. The pooled overall success rate was 81.4% (95% CI: 74.5-88.4%), while the pooled recurrence rate was 17.7% (95% CI: 11.3-24.1%). The studies showed minimal heterogeneity (I² = 0%) in both success and recurrence rates. Complications were common, with pin tract infection being the most common (29.3%), followed by toe contractures and digital ischemia.

External fixation is an effective approach for recurrent CF, with satisfactory success rates. However, the risk of complications underscores the need for vigilant postoperative care. The results support the use of external fixation for complex CF recurrences, but further studies are needed.

Foot and ankle pathology can often require complex surgical reconstruction. Until recently, circular external fixators such as the Ilizarov frame have proven to be useful, yet they fall short when progressive, precise corrections are required. Computer-assisted hexapod external fixators seek to address many of the shortfalls of traditional circular fixators. However, evidence for their use is scarce. The objective of this work was to evaluate the functional and quality of life outcomes and post-operative complications of patients treated with computer-assisted hexapod external fixation.

A retrospective, observational study was conducted. All cases were treated with either a TrueLok hex (TL-HEX) or a Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) fixator. Primary outcomes were post-operative improvement in 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF12) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) scores, and complications following Paley's classification.

A total of 59 patients with complex foot and ankle conditions using 64 external fixation frames were included. The median sum of both SF12 score domains improved from a preoperative score of 63.6 to 91.3 at last follow-up (p < 0.001). Median AOFAS improved from a preoperative score of 35 to 75.5 at last follow up (p < 0.001). Functional improvement was not affected by the choice of external fixator. Complications occurred in 49 cases (77 %). The most common post-operative complications included pin tract complications in 37 (58 %) cases, joint rigidity in 24 (38 %) and axial deviation in 9 (14 %).

Computer-assisted hexapod external fixation is an effective technique to correct complex foot and ankle deformities and leads to a marked improvement in post-operative functional and quality-of-life outcomes with a high minor complication rate.

Although external circular frame (ECF) has been widely used for the correction of knee and ankle deformities, few studies reported the use of ECF for the treatment of severe postburn elbow contracture and stiffness (SPECS). The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of the distraction using ECF in treating SPECS.

After institutional review board approval, we implemented a retrospective single-center case series study composed of consecutive patients treated for SPECS at Chinese PLA General Hospital between January 2010 and January 2018. After scar release and skin grafting, distraction with ECF was performed for 4 to 6 weeks, and the frame was retained for 2 more weeks before removal. Four weeks of splinting and at least 1 year of rehabilitation were recommended. Patient demographics, active and passive range of motion (ROM) of the elbow at different time points (preoperative, postdistraction, and final follow-up), and complications were collected from the electronic medical record. The primary outcome was the long-term improvement of the ROM. Other outcomes included complications and recurrence.

The ECF was used to treat SPECS in 6 patients (3 males and 3 females, average age of 11.7 ± 2.6 years). Scar release and distraction with ECF significantly increased both active (from 3° preoperative to 38.7° postdistraction) and passive (from 3.5° preoperative to 48.3° postdistraction) ROM over an average distraction duration of 5.2 weeks. The long-term improvement of active and passive ROM was 38° ± 13.4° and 46° ± 14.7°, respectively, over a median follow-up of 4.1 years. Pin-tract infection occurred in 2 patients and were treated with local wound care and oral antibiotics. A tendon readhesion developed in 1 of the 6 patients because of noncompliance with splinting and physiotherapy, and was treated with revision surgery.

The 3C strategy (i.e., contracture release, coverage of the defect with skin grafting, and correction of articular angle with gradual distraction using the ECF) is able to increase the ROM with minor complications. We recommend distraction with ECF as part of the treatment arsenal, particularly for severe contractures in which 1-stage correction is unfeasible because of considerable soft tissue shortening.

The aim of the current study is to introduce a new therapeutic strategy for simultaneous correction of complex foot deformities (CFD) and the associated lower limb deformities (LLD) by using Ilizarov technique with osteotomy and soft tissue procedure and to report its early clinical results.

A retrospective review of CFD associated with LLD simultaneous correction utilizing the Ilizarov procedure together with osteotomy and soft tissue balance from 2015 to 2019 was conducted.

Thirty-two patients were followed for an average of 42.8 months. The mean external fixation time (EFT) was 6.5 months. The mean healing index (HI) was 1.7 months/cm. At the time of fixator removal, plantigrade feet were achieved in all patient and lower limb deformities were corrected. No recurrence of the deformities occurred. The mean LLRS AIM score was improved from 7.5 to 0.3. At the final follow-up, the ASAMI-Paley score was graded as excellent in all limbs in the aspect of bone results, and functional results were defined as excellent in 29 (90.6%) limbs and good in 3 (9.4%) limbs. The mean modified Dimeglio score was significantly improved from 7.2 to 1.3. No deep infection of the osteotomy site or nonunion was noted in the current study.

The therapeutic strategy by using the Ilizarov procedure together with osteotomy and soft tissue balance is a safe and effective way to simultaneously correct CFD and LLD.

Level IV, retrospective case series.

To summarize the main methods and comprehensive effects of limited surgery combined with external fixation for the treatment of flail foot with sensory disorder of spina bifida sequela in adult.

The clinical data of 22 cases (30 feet) of the adult spina bifida sequela who suffered from flail foot with sensory disorder and treated by limited surgery combined with external fixation were retrospectively analysed between January 2005 and December 2015. There were 14 males and 8 females with an age of 8-38 years (mean, 21.5 years). All 30 feet were distal ankle sensory loss, including 2 cases (2 feet) on the left side, 2 cases (2 feet) on the right side, and 18 cases (26 feet) on both sides. There was 1 foot accompanied by ulcerative plantar ulcers, and 3 feet lost their toes due to foot osteomyelitis in the weight-bearing area. Combined with 3 cases of hip dislocation, 3 cases of scoliosis, 4 cases of knee deformity, and 3 cases of ptosis. There were 5 cases of normal control of urine and stool, 10 cases of partial control of urine and stool, 6 cases of overflow urinary incontinence, and 1 case of cystostomy. According to X-ray film, the lesion of spina bifida was evaluated, the laminar insufficiency was located at L 3-L 5 in 8 cases, L 5, S 1 in 9 cases, and L 3-S 3 in 5 cases. In the patients, 12 feet were performed ankle joint arthrodesis, 10 feet subtalar arthrodesis, and 8 feet tibia-talus-calcaneus arthrodesis. Ilizarov external fixator was used in 18 feet, Hybrid fixator in 8 feet, Hybrid fixator and cannulate screws in 3 feet, and Ilizarov fixator and cannulate screws in 1 foot.

All 22 patients were followed up 10-80 months (mean, 48.5 months). All ankle deformities were corrected effectively after operation, the middle and hind feet were stable, the plantar foot was restored, the whole foot was loaded, and the ulcer healed without recurrence. There were 2 cannulate screws ruptured in the subtalar arthrodesis, bone healed after screws break; no complication such as surgical infection, neurovascular injury, and so on happened. At last follow-up, based on the evaluation criteria of QIN Sihe lower limb deformity correction, the results were excellent in 15 feet, good in 9 feet, and fair in 6 feet, with an excellent and good rate of 80.0%.

The treatment of flail foot with sensory disorder of spina bifida sequela is more demanding. The limited surgeries combined with external fixation play an important role for recovering the stability of foot and ankle, better clinical results, and less complications.