Original Article International Journal of Paediatric Orthopaedics 2016 Jan-Apr;2(1):6-9

Treatment with Mini External Fixator for Correction of Clubfoot

1 1
Sandeep Patwardhan , Chintan Doshi
Abstract
Background: Clubfoot is one of the oldest and commonest congenital deformities of mankind since man has adopted erect posture [1].
The ideal treatment of clubfoot still remains controversial, because its cause remains unknown, its pathological anatomy is uncertain and
its behavior is unpredictable [2]. Few authors concluded that there are different etiological factors responsible for resistance to correction
or recurrence after correction. The goal of any type of CTEV management is to reduce, if not to eliminate all elements of the clubfoot
deformity, hence achieving a functional, pain free, normal looking plantigrade, mobile, callous free and normally shoeable foot [3].
Treatment of the idiopathic clubfoot by Ponseti method is accepted as a standard treatment when patient presents early [4]. Methods
available to correct a clubfoot deformity follow a sequence of treatment which includes manipulation of soft tissues, repositioning of foot,
holding the position in POP or by tape. This sequence leads to dynamic functional correction. However it is not always possible to use
manipulation by Ponseti for neglected, late presenters and syndromic cases. These deformities can be corrected with the use of external
device in the form of universal mini external fixator (UMEX) or a JESS fixator
Keywords: Congenital talipes equino varus, mini fixator, distraction histogenesis
Introduction late presenters and syndromic cases. These invasive methods like Ponseti method with
Clubfoot is one of the oldest and commonest deformities can be corrected with the use of similar results, mini fixator is now mostly
congenital deformities of mankind since man external device in the form of universal mini used in late presenters, non idiopathic rigid
has adopted erect posture [1]. The ideal external fixator (UMEX) or a JESS fixator. feet (syndromes) and in cases with post
t reat m e n t o f c l u b f o o t s t i l l re ma i n s surgical relapses.
controversial, because its cause remains What is a Mini Fixator? Mini external fixator is useful method as the
unknown, its pathological anatomy is Dr. B. B. JOSHI in 1990 developed a plain stretching is done four times in a day,
uncertain and its behavior is unpredictable unconstrained simple, versatile, cheaper and repositioning is required once a week, position
[2]. Few authors concluded that there are light fixator system on the basis of biologic law is hold with use of fixator and application of
different etiological factors responsible for of tissue histiogenesis of all tissues when they brace after correction is achieved to maintain
resistance to correction or recurrence after are put under gradual stretch. This system is correction.
correction. The goal of any type of CTEV termed as JESS, Joshi’s External Stabilization
management is to reduce, if not to eliminate System. Universal mini external fixator What are the advantages of using mini
all elements of the clubfoot deformity, hence (UMEX) was designed on similar principle. external fixator?
achieving a functional, pain free, normal This fixator had a different design of the Ÿ It is a semi invasive procedure.
looking plantigrade, mobile, callous free and clamp to enhance stability and fixation. The Ÿ Gradual differential distraction allowing
normally shoeable foot [3]. Treatment of the concept of controlled differential distraction simultaneous correction of all the
idiopathic clubfoot by Ponseti method is prevents crushing of tissues on the convex deformities.
accepted as a standard treatment when lateral side and limb lengthening along with Ÿ Allows for three dimensional control and
patient presents early [4]. Methods available correction of deformity takes place gradually correction of deformity.
to correct a clubfoot deformity follow a and effectively to achieve supple foot [5]. Ÿ Because of distraction the corrected foot
sequence of treatment which includes achieved is longer in length.
manipulation of soft tissues, repositioning of Where can Mini external fixator be used in Ÿ Excessive cartilage compression and
foot, holding the position in POP or by tape. CTEV? chondrolysis of lateral growing bony
This sequence leads to dynamic functional Mini external fixator is used for instrumented structures caused by forceful
correction. However it is not always possible manipulation in practically almost all cases with manipulations is avoided.
to use manipulation by Ponseti for neglected, CTEV [5]. However with the other non Ÿ It is possible to correct rigid, severe,
relapsed clubfoot without shortening of
1
Sancheti Institute for Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, foot.
Shivaji nagar, Pune, India Ÿ It has direct purchase over distorted bony
anatomy and hence better correction of
Address of Correspondence
Dr Sandeep Patwardhan bony alignment and remodeling.
Sancheti Institute for Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Ÿ It adds to tissues by distraction
Shivaji nagar, Pune, India histogenesis as opposed to open surgery
Email: sandappa@gmail.com Dr Sandeep Patwardhan Dr Chintan Doshi
which leads to fibrosis and shortening.
Ÿ Allows for scope of revision and
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medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
What are the principles of use of universal
6 | International Journal of Paediatric Orthopaedics | Volume 2 | Issue 1 | Jan-Apr 2016 | Page 6-9
Patwardhan S, Doshi C www.ijpoonline.com

Figure 2: Hind foot pin and block. 2 Pins

passed from medial to lateral aspect in
calcaneum in a direction that mimic the
deformity. One axial calcaneal pin from
Figure 1: Insertion of forefoot pins. One pin transfixing the 1st and 5th metatarsal heads. Another pin engages 1st and 2nd
poster ior aspect. These pins are
metatarsals. Third pin engages 5th to 3rd Metatarsals
connected to form foot block
mini external fixator in CTEV?
The basic principle of universal mini external
fixator is the same as advocated by Ilizarov [6].
Physiological tension and stress applied to the
tissue stimulates histogenesis of tissues, while
controlled differential distraction gradually
corrects the deformities and realigns the
bones. Correction using mini external fixator
is based on understanding that clubfoot
deformity has 3 components, the leg, the
hindfoot and the forefoot. Figure 4: Placement of paired distracters. 2 distractors
Thus it is essential to achieve skeletal hold in Figure 2: Insertion of tibial pin. Two parallel K wires connecting leg block to hind foot block and 2 distractors
each component thus mini fixator system in are passed using Z rod as guide. connecting hindfoot block to forefoot block
CTEV correction involves use of 3 blocks the Fig 1. Insertion of forefoot pins. One pin in saggital plane prevents rocking and
forefoot block, the hindfoot block and the leg transfixing the 1st and 5th metatarsal heads. loosening.
block. Another pin engages 1st and 2nd metatarsals.
Distraction corrects only 1 axis. Differential Third pin engages 5th to 3rd Metatarsals. Attaching Connecting rods to complete
distraction can correct 2 axis deformity. fixation blocks
However to correct a 3 dimentional deformity Technique of hind foot pins (Fig 2)– Two ‘Z’ rods were attached to the tibial pins, one
in CTEV it is necessary to uncouple the Two parallel K-wires were passed through the on either side. The wires were prestressed
distracters from the frame leaving the three tuber of calcaneum from medial to lateral side before the link joints were tightened. Two
blocks intact and manipulate the foot weekly taking care that they were well away from the transverse bars were attached to the ‘Z’ rods,
to achieve manual derotation. course of the neurovascular structures on the
Following this the blocks are reconnected using medial side. Pins should exactly mimic the
the distracters and distraction protocol is deformity. One additional half pin K-wire was
continued over a week. This process is passed from the posterior aspect of the
continued till over correction. calcaneum along the long axis. The entry
point was below the insertion of the tendo-
Technique of universal mini external fixator achilles in the midline using distractor as the
application - guide.
The procedure is carried out under general
anesthesia with the patient in supine position. Fig 2 – Hind foot pin and block. 2 Pins passed
The procedure consists of important steps of from medial to lateral aspect in calcaneum in a
insertion of pins and formation of blocks and direction that mimic the deformity. One axial
attachment of distracters between the blocks. calcaneal pin from posterior aspect. These pins
Insertion of Pins – are connected to form foot block.
Technique of forefoot pins (Fig 1)–
One transfixing K-wire was passed through the Technique of leg pins (Fig 3)–
necks of first and fifth metatarsal from lateral to With the patient in supine position and
medial side in such a way that the K-wire extended limb, two parallel K-wires were passed
engaged the two metatarsals. Two additional in the proximal tibial diaphyses from the lateral
wires were passed parallel to and 10 to 12 mm to the medial side. The wires were about 3 to 4
apart from either side, one engaging the first cm apart and run parallel to the axis of the
and second metatarsals and another engaging knee joint at safe distance distal to tibial
the fifth, fourth and third metatarsal. Take tuberosity. The K wires are passed using Z rod
precaution that third metatarsal is not as a guide. In older children 3 wires were
transfixed from both sides. passed to increase the stability. Additional pin Figure 5: Flowchart explaining the method of correction

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 Patwardhan S, Doshi C www.ijpoonline.com

6a 6b 6c

6d 6e
Figure 6: (a) and (b) Clinical pictures of a 15 years old boy with neglected CTEV without any treatment taken in the past. (c) Application of JESS fixator during distraction phase. (d) and (e) Clinical
pictures after final correction.

one anteriorly and one posteriorly. Calcaneo- During manual repositioning the distracters are
metatarsal distractors were then attached to Attach anterior spacer rods – uncoupled from the frame leaving the three
the K-wires. Two ‘L’ rods were attached to The transverse anterior rod of the tibial block blocks intact and the foot manipulated to
calcaneal K-wires and two other ‘L’ rods were and metatarsal block was connected on either achieve derotation. Following this the blocks
attached to the metatarsal K-wires one on side with anterior static spacer connecting rod. are reconnected using the distracters and
either side with the arms of the ‘L’ rods facing This provided tension force and kept the distraction protocol is continued over a week.
posteriorly and inferiorly. One posterior anterior portion of the joint open. It also This process is continued till over correction.
transverse bar was attached to the posterior prevented crushing of the articular cartilage Holding phase -
calcaneal half pin and the posterior arms of and provided better glidage to the talus while It is important at the end of correction and
the ‘L’ rods. Two additional transverse rods correcting the hindfoot deformity of equinus. achieved functional position to stop distraction
were attached to the inferior arms of the ‘L’ and hold the corrected position. Holding mode
rods which took the toe sling which provided Protocol of distraction and correction of is to continue frame for 6 to 8 weeks after
dy namic traction to prevent f lex ion deformity - completion of distraction phase
contracture of the toes as the deformity was Distraction phase –

7a 7b 7c 7d

Figure 7: (a) and (b) Clinical pictures of a 5 yrs old neglected left CTEV. (c) JESS fixator applied. (d) Clinical picture at final correction

being corrected. Medial distraction is carried out at a rate of Bracing period –

1/4th turn (0.25mm) four times a day Following the removal of mini external fixator
Attach paired distracters (Fig 4) – (cumulative of one turn in a day which is 1mm) system at the end of holding phase, the child is
Paired distracters were attached between the and lateral distraction is carried out at a rate of put in a brace. Bracing is continued to maintain
forefoot block and the hindfoot block. Also 1/4th turn(0.25mm) twice a day (cumulative the corrected position.
another pair of distracter was attached between of half a turn in a day which is 0.5mm)
the hindfoot block and leg block. Manual Repositioning – The illustration video demonstrates the process
Distraction is continued for 1 week following of differential distraction and correction of
Fig 4 - Placement of paired distracters. 2 which patient is called for manual repositioning. deformity
distractors connecting leg block to hind foot Manual repositioning is carried out on OPD Fig 5 – Flowchart explaining the method of
block and 2 distractors connecting hindfoot basis weekly occasionally with sedation if correction
block to forefoot block required.

8b 8c 8d 8e 8f 8g

8a

Figure 8: Clinical photographs (a) A case of Streeters dysplasia presented at the age of 2 years. (b) and (c) Correction achieved with JESS fixator. (d) Plaster cast applied to maintain corrected position
after removal of fixator (e) Patient presented at 4 years from primary procedure with recurrence of deformity due to noncompliance with brace (f) and (g) Correction achieved after JESS fixator
application for second time.

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9a 9b 9c 9d 9e 9f 9g 9h

Figure 9: Fig 9 – Clinical photograph (a) and (b) 8 years old boy with history of surgeries done elsewhere 6 times in past with recurrence of deformity.(c)Apllication of JESS fixator. (d), (e) and (f) Follow
up at 3 weeks with correction of deformity in all planes.(g) and (h) – Clinical photograph with functional ability at 1 year follow up from application of JESS fixator

Problems and Complications [7,8, 16] - Compliance is a problem for any type of rotational deformities [5]. Thus it is required
The method of differential distraction using management in CTEV. The non compliance in to remove the distractors at regular intervals
universal mini external fixator also encounters relation to distraction protocol, bracing after of distraction and manually reposition the
certain problems and difficulties during the complete correction will lead to recurrence of foot and reattach the distractors. This
procedure. The conditions which need the deformity. continues till complete correction is
attention during the method are described achieved.
here. Discussion Correction by distraction has distinct advantage
Flexion or clawing of the toe is seen during the The goal of any club foot surgery is to obtain a of histoneogenesis, lack of scar tissue formation
distraction phase due to shortened and cosmetically acceptable foot, pliable, functional, and the absence of further shortening of the
stretching of the flexor tendons. This can be painless, plant grade foot and to spare the parent foot. There are many reports of the fixator
managed during the distraction phase by use of and the child from frequent hospitalization assisted distractor correction of clubfoot with
straps or footplate. However after removal of and years of treatment with casts and braces variations in the technique with good
the distracters the clawing is markedly [1, 9, and 10]. Physiological tension and outcome (5 - 8). Suresh et al found JESS to be
reduced. stress applied to the tissues stimulates ideal for correction of residual and relapse
Acute over distraction needs urgent attention as histoneogenesis, while controlled differential clubfoot in their study involving 26 children
it causes necrosis. Thus it is mandatory to distraction gradually corrects the deformities with 44 clubfeet (7). Similar results were
observe the child at regular intervals. and realigns the bones [11, 15]. External found by Oganesian and Istomina (14).
Another important issue with use of mini fixators are a versatile method of correcting Short-term assessment of results of clubfeet
external fixator is possibility of pin tract complex three-dimensional deformities of correction with JESS distractor by Anwar and
infection. Pin tract infection is managed by the foot such as clubfoot. The major Arun showed excellent and good results in
observing the foot at regular intervals with difference between the mini fixator or JESS 59.7% of cases (8).
periodic pin tract dressings with betadine, fixators and circular fixators described by Thus the evidence from various studies show
tightening of loose screw, use of short course Ilizarov was that the wires in this study were that correction by mini external fixator is a useful
oral antibiotics and in rare cases revision of not tensioned but only prestressed to prevent method for the management of clubfoot in
pin if needed. them from cutting through the soft bones. neglected and resistant cases.
Loosening of components is frequently seen Mini external fixators are also lighter in
when patient is coming on regular follow up. weight, shorter, cheaper, and have an easier
This can be managed by periodic retightening application than Ilizarov’s fixators. The
when they come for repositioning. absence of hinges also fails to correct
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Conflict of Interest: NIL How to Cite this Article

Source of Support: NIL Patwardhan S, Doshi C. Mini Fixator for Correction of Neglected Clubfoot.
International Journal of Paediatric Orthopaedics Jan-April 2016;2(1):6-9.

9 | International Journal of Paediatric Orthopaedics | Volume 2 | Issue 1 | Jan-Apr 2016 | Page 6-9