Motor Electrophysiological Studies in Congenital Talipes Equinovarus

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.Children, Congenital Talipes Equinovarus, Clubfoot, Nerve Conduction Studies, Electromyography, Neruopathy & Neurological Deficit.