Abstract
54 patients of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita were treated at orthopedic department of Kyushu university for past 52 years. Among these patients, 14 patients with club foot deformity were analysed in this series.
Most foot deformities required the limitted surgical release of the soft tissues following conservative treatment and many of the resistant ones also needed expansive arthrodesis within 20 years old.
According to these results, we got a conclusion as follows, the club foot in arthrogryposis multiplex congenita should be treated by corrective cast for the first 4 months after birth, subsequently by either posterior release or posteromedial release. Braces or splints should be applied in order to prevent recurrence after those surgical procedures. But, in spite of our effort by the early treatment, gradual recurrence of the corrected foot is inevitable. Therefore, in order to get a lasting plantigrade foot, Evans procedure with posterior release at 4 years old is recommended against the recurrent deformities.
