RESIDUAL ADDUCTION OF THE FOREFOOT IN TREATED CONGENITAL CLUB FOOT

1. Seventy-three congenital club feet in fifty-one children have been reviewed between the ages of four and fourteen years to determine the incidence of residual adduction ofthe forefoot. 2. A radiological method of measuring metatarsus varus, based on the naviculo-metatarsal angle, is described. 3. On clinical examination 52 per cent of the feet had residual adduction of the forefoot, and metatarsus varus was present in 74 per cent of these. 4. There was no residual adduction in 48 per cent but only 45 per cent of these showed normal radiographic features. In the remainder various forms of spurious correction were seen. 5. For early treatment, detachment of the origin of the abductor hallucis muscle is recommended at the time of extended posterior release, with tenotomy of the tendon of insertion as an additional measure.