Talectomy in the treatment of resistant talipes equinovarus deformity in myelomeningocele and arthrogryposis.

Eighteen patients (28 feet) with spina bifida and arthrogryposis had talectomy for correction of severe equinovarus deformity. In 26 feet, posteromedial release had been performed previously. The average age at surgery was 4 1/2 years, with a range of 1-9 years of age. The length of follow-up averaged 4 years and ranged from 12 months to 8 years. Twenty-three feet were rated good, and five were poor. Six feet, because of forefoot adduction, required further surgery (metatarsal osteotomy). Talectomy is an effective procedure for correction of hindfoot deformity. Forefoot problems must be treated as a separate entity.