[Congenital convex clubfoot: a diagnostic and therapeutic study of 71 cases].

We have studied 71 feet with congenital vertical talus in 51 patients. The condition is characterised by two fixed deformities, equinus of the hindfoot with a vertical talus and dislocation of the mid tarsal joint due to malposition of the navicular with respect to the head of the talus. The forefoot is usually everted, but lay in inversion in 25% of our cases. The deformity must be recognised within a few weeks of birth, and the diagnosis is facilitated by radiographs taken in extreme dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. The radiographic appearances allow classification of the deformity into three groups which aid in the choice of the correct management. Treatment is by operation. We have performed 48 open reductions, followed by lengthening of the Achilles tendon six weeks later. Our results can be equally divided into good, fair and poor. We have excised the talus on three occasions only, but we feel that this operation may well be useful in the presence of marked deformity of the talus, particularly in the older child.