Clubfeet in congenital annular constricting bands

Neuromuscular Dysfunction in Clubfeet Associated With Constriction Band Syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Constriction band syndrome (CBS) is a congenital limb anomaly frequently associated with clubfoot. Clubfeet in CBS patients may be associated with peroneal nerve dysfunction in the involved lower extremity; however, the etiology of this neuromuscular dysfunction is not clear. We sought to characterize the distribution of constriction bands on lower extremities with clubfoot and determine if neuromuscular deficit (NMD), defined here as having absent ankle dorsiflexion, was associated with ipsilateral proximal bands. Our secondary aim was to compare the treatment and outcomes of clubfeet with NMD to those without NMD.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of all patients with CBS and clubfoot presenting to our facility between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2018. Treatment with the Ponseti method, at least 1 year of follow-up at this facility, and a detailed physical exam describing lower extremity neuromuscular function and the presence and location of constriction bands were required for inclusion in the study cohort.

RESULTS

Twenty children with 26 clubfeet were included. Forty-six percent (12/26) of the clubfeet had NMD. Clubfeet with and without NMD had ipsilateral thigh or leg constriction bands at similar rates [42% (5/12) vs. 43% (6/14), P =0.106], and the majority (7/12) of clubfeet with NMD did not have an ipsilateral thigh or leg band. While children with an NMD clubfoot tended toward more casts, relapses, and surgical procedures, these differences did not reach statistical significance. The use of a daytime AFO beyond age four was higher in the NMD clubfeet [58% (7/12) vs. 14% (2/14), P =0.04].

CONCLUSION

Clubfeet with neuromuscular deficits may occur in the absence of proximal ipsilateral constriction bands, suggesting they may be caused by mechanisms other than direct damage from visible constriction bands to underlying nerves. They can also coexist with arthrogrypotic conditions. Clubfeet with an NMD tended toward more casts, relapses, and surgeries than those without NMD, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. These patients often elect long-term use of a daytime AFO.

Congenital Pseudarthrosis of Femur and Sciatic Nerve Palsy with Congenital Constriction Band Syndrome: Report of the First Case in Literature

Congenital constriction band syndrome has varied clinical presentations ranging from small, incomplete skin deep constriction band to in utero amputation. Pseudarthrosis of underlying bone most commonly tibia has been reported by many authors. We report the first case of congenital pseudarthrosis of the femur with congenital constriction band syndrome. Nine-day-old female presented with the constriction band in the left thigh with open pseudarthrosis of the femur. The left femur had gross recurvatum deformity and the posterior apex of the pseudarthrosis was exposed via skin ulceration. She had an ipsilateral paralytic clubfoot. She was treated with single-stage excision of constriction band and Z-plasty. Spontaneous union of the femur was achieved at 3 months. Procurvatum deformity of the femur improved gradually over 3 years. This happens to be the first and only reported case of congenital pseudarthrosis of the femur with sciatic nerve palsy due to congenital constriction band.

The Ponseti Method for the Treatment of Clubfeet Associated With Amniotic Band Syndrome: A Single Institution 20-Year Experience

BACKGROUND

Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) is a congenital disorder resulting in fibrous bands that can cause limb anomalies, amputations, and deformities. Clubfoot has been reported in up to 50% of patients with ABS. The purpose of this study is to compare treatment characteristics and outcomes of clubfoot patients with ABS to those with idiopathic clubfoot treated with the Ponseti method.

METHODS

An Institution Review Board (IRB) approved retrospective review of prospectively gathered data was performed at a single pediatric hospital over a 20-year period. Patients with either idiopathic clubfeet or clubfeet associated with concomitant ABS who were <1 year of age and treated by the Ponseti method were included. Initial Dimeglio score, number of casts, need for heel cord tenotomy, recurrence, and need for further surgery were recorded. Outcomes were classified as "good" (plantigrade foot±heel cord tenotomy), "fair" (need for a limited procedure), or "poor" (need for a full posteromedial release).

RESULTS

Forty-three clubfeet in 32 patients with ABS, and 320 idiopathic clubfeet in 215 patients were identified. Average age at last follow up was not different between ABS and idiopathic cohorts (7.4 vs. 5.2 y, P=0.233). Average Dimeglio score was lower in the ABS cohort (12.3 vs. 13.7, P=0.006). Recurrence rate was significantly higher in the ABS (62.8%) compared with idiopathic cohort (37.2%) (P=0.001). Clinical outcomes were significantly better in the idiopathic cohort (69.4% "good", 26.9% "fair", 3.8% "poor") compared with the ABS cohort (41.9% "good", 34.9% "fair", and 23.3% "poor") (P<0.001). Within the ABS cohort, no significant differences in clinical outcomes were found based upon location, severity, or presence of an ipsilateral lower extremity band.

CONCLUSION

Clubfeet associated with ABS have higher rates of recurrence, a greater need for later surgery, and worse clinical outcomes than idiopathic clubfeet. This information may prove helpful in counseling parents of infants with ABS associated clubfeet.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Clubfeet and congenital constriction band syndrome

BACKGROUND

Clubfeet and constriction band syndrome is a very rare non-idiopathic condition. Treatment is often difficult and the recurrence deformity rate is high. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Ponseti method in the treatment of congenital constriction band syndrome accompanied by clubfoot deformity and lymphedema.

CASE PRESENTATION

We are presenting an interesting case of bilateral clubfeet and congenital circumferential constriction band syndrome in the lower limb. Ponseti method of correcting the congenital clubfoot deformity was applied. Constriction band release is accomplished by two stages completely excising the fibrous band and multiple two-stage Z-plasties on the right calf.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that the Ponseti method of gentle, systematic manipulation and weekly cast changes is an effective treatment of non-idiopathic clubfoot distal to congenital amniotic constriction band.

The Effectiveness of the Ponseti Method for Treating Clubfoot Associated With Amniotic Band Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) is a congenital disorder with an associated incidence of clubfoot deformity in over 50% of patients. Although early reports in the literature demonstrated a poor response to casting treatments, recent application of the Ponseti technique in ABS patients have been more promising.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients with clubfoot and a concurrent diagnosis of ABS were reviewed at a single institution. Patients not managed initially with the Ponseti method were excluded. Data collected included patient age at presentation, sex, unilateral or bilateral, amniotic band location and associated findings, and response to treatment-number of casts and requirement of Achilles tenotomy, tibialis anterior tendon transfer, or other surgical procedures. Duration of treatment at latest follow-up visit was noted and outcome was based on clinical foot appearance and plan for any further procedures.

RESULTS

Twelve patients (7 female and 5 male) with a total of 21 feet (9 bilateral and 3 unilateral) were identified. The average age at presentation was 3 weeks (range, 1 to 9 wk). The average number of casts was 6 (range, 3 to 11). Seventeen of 21 feet (81.0%) underwent percutaneous Achilles tenotomy. The initial correction rate for all patients with the Ponseti technique was 20/21 feet (95.2%) and recurrence was noted in 7/21 feet (33.3%). One patient underwent primary posteromedial release and 2 patients had associated neurological deficits. The average follow-up was 3.9 years (range, 9 mo to 10 y) and all but one patient had supple, plantigrade feet.

CONCLUSION

The Ponseti technique is an effective first-line treatment in patients who have clubfeet associated with ABS, including those with a neurological deficit.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Clubfoot associated with congenital constriction band: the Ponseti method perspective

BACKGROUND

The clubfoot and congenital constriction band is a known association in which the clubfoot is considered as being rigid, responding poorly to casting, and requiring surgical interventions.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

The series describes 3 cases of clubfoot with deep ipsilateral congenital constriction bands managed with Ponseti method and immediate outcomes achieved.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The feet responded favorably to casting although equinus correction required more extensive surgical interventions. The preexisting edema in distal limb often precluded a snuggly fitting cast increasing the cast numbers. Careful monitoring of vascularity is essential. Simultaneous procedures of release of constriction bands, correction of hand anomalies and equinus can be combined to the advantage of the patient.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Case report, Level IV.

The use of the Ponseti method to treat clubfeet associated with congenital annular band syndrome

BACKGROUND

A clubfoot deformity may be associated with congenital annular band syndrome (CABS), and has, until recently, been thought to be resistant to nonoperative management. The purpose of this report was to describe the use of the Ponseti method in the treatment of 5 patients whose clubfeet were associated with this syndrome.

METHODS

All patients with a diagnosis of clubfoot, who were treated at the Orthopaedic Hospital Clubfoot Clinic, over a period of 4 years, were reviewed. During that period, a total of 131 infants with 194 clubfeet were treated. We identified 5 infants (3.8%) with 6 clubfeet associated with CABS. The patients were managed using the Ponseti method. One of the patients, with a contralateral amputation of the limb opposite to the side with a clubfoot, required the use of a unilateral foot abduction orthosis rather than a conventional foot abduction orthosis. The outcomes evaluated included: the number of casts needed to obtain correction, the percentage of patients requiring a tendo-Achilles tenotomy, the number of relapses, and the need for additional secondary procedures.

RESULTS

The mean age at presentation for the 5 patients was 6.2 weeks. Four of the clubfeet had an ipsilateral band and 2 did not. None of the patients had a neurological deficit distal to a band. The mean number of casts used to correct the deformity was 6, and a percutaneous tendo-Achilles tenotomy was done in all cases. All of the feet achieved initial correction. Four patients (5 feet) experienced a relapse attributed to failure to use the postcorrective brace as prescribed. Correction of the foot in 3 of these patients was regained and maintained by another series of manipulation and cast application followed by resumption of bracing. One patient underwent an anterior tibial tendon transfer. The patients were followed for an average of 32.6 months (21 to 49 mo). All feet were supple and plantigrade at latest follow-up evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

The Ponseti method may be successfully applied to clubfeet associated with CABS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Congenital constriction ring syndrome with foot deformity: two case reports

INTRODUCTION

Congenital peripheral constriction ring originating from soft tissues of the leg that is characterized with compression in the soft tissue usually involving the deep fascia surrounding the leg at the time of birth is occasionally observed in lower extremity. At the region of the constriction, fractures of tibia and fibula and foot deformities like clubfoot can be observed.

CASE PRESENTATION

In our report, 6-month and 8-month old infants with congenital constriction band and ipsilateral clubfoot were presented. They were treated with multiple Z plasties for their constricting bands and Ponseti method of serial casting for their clubfoot deformities.

CONCLUSION

Congenital-constricting bands can be effectively released with multiple Z plasties. Ponseti method of correcting club foots of various causes can be applied to club foot deformities accompanying constricting bands.

Acquired constriction ring syndrome

Acquired constriction ring syndrome is a clinical condition of infancy characterized by circumferential constriction of a toe or another appendage, such as fingers and genitalia. The foot and ankle specialist should be aware of this condition because vascular obstruction of the affected appendage can rapidly lead to gangrene and autoamputation. Treatment consists of prompt identification and removal of the constricting foreign material. Although this condition is uncommon, it can lead to digital loss. Early treatment yields a good prognosis. A case report is presented of a 9-week-old infant who experienced acquired constriction ring syndrome caused by a strand of hair wrapped around the third and fourth toes that was treated by unwinding the hair under loupe magnification.

Amniotic band syndrome

Amniotic band syndrome is an uncommon, congenital fetal abnormality with multiple disfiguring and disabling manifestations. A wide spectrum of clinical deformities are encountered and range from simple ring constrictions to major craniofacial and visceral defects. Lower extremity limb malformations are extremely common and consist of asymmetric digital ring constrictions, distal atrophy, congenital intrauterine amputations, acrosyndactyly, lymphedema and clubfoot. Although debated, early amnion rupture with subsequent entanglement of fetal parts (mostly limbs and appendages) by amniotic strands is the primary theory of pathogenesis. The sporadic nature of this congenital anomaly is discussed, as well as a case study involving the surgical correction of an associated rigid clubfoot deformity.