TREATMENT OF CONGENITAL TALIPES EQUINOVARUS WITH THE MODIFIED DENIS BROWNE SPLINT

¹ Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children's Hospital, and the Harvard Medical School, Boston

1. During the treatment of fifty-three cases of uncomplicated congenital talipes equinovarus with the modified Denis Browne splint, several refinements in technique have been evolved to meet various problems,—such as pressure sores, dermatitis, incomplete correction, persistent equinus, loss of longitudinal arch, and unilateral deformity. These refinements are described.

2. Success of this method depends upon the accuracy with which the foot is fixed to the splint. If properly applied, the splints will allow correction of the varus, and yet will maintain the longitudinal arch while obtaining full correction of the equinus.

3. Recurrence of the deformity is a constant threat, but this tendency is minimized by complete correction early and then by continued use of the splint intermittently, at least until the child begins to walk.

4. The final evaluation of any method of treatment for club-foot will have to be deferred until the first group can be followed throughout the growth period. The results in this series of fifty-three cases do indicate, however, that this is an excellent method with which to obtain initial correction,—that is, a foot with normal appearance and function.

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