The Importance of Early Treatment and Soft Tissue Release Surgery

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 29 views

Introduction

Neglected Clubfoot is a congenital disorder that is one of the main causes of locomotor disability, affecting millions of children worldwide. In developing countries, about 80% of children born with this disorder do not receive adequate medical treatment, leading to long-term consequences on their quality of life. One of the management procedures that can be done to correct foot deformity is soft tissue release surgery. The assessment of the degree of clubfoot deformity can be done using various systems, including the Pirani Scoring System. This study aims to evaluate the clinical output one year after the patient neglected clubfoot underwent a soft tissue release procedure using the pirani score assessment.

The Importance of Early Treatment and Soft Tissue Release Surgery

Early treatment of neglected clubfoot is crucial in preventing long-term complications and improving the quality of life of patients. Soft tissue release surgery is a common procedure used to correct foot deformity, but its effectiveness depends on various factors, including the severity of the deformity and the timing of the treatment. The Pirani Scoring System is widely used to evaluate the severity of clubfoot deformity, and its results can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of soft tissue release surgery.

Methodology

This study was a retrospective analysis of 17 neglected clubfoot patients who had undergone soft tissue release surgery one year earlier. The patients' data were collected from medical records, and the Pirani score was assessed before and after the operation. The data analyzed included the patient's age, the reasons for the delay of treatment, the length of time the use of prosthesis, and postoperative complications experienced by the patient.

Results

The results of this study showed that the average total patient pirani score before surgery was 5.43 ± 1.03, and one year after the operation, the average piranic score decreased to 0.30 ± 0.40. The difference between scores before and after operation shows significant results with p <0,0001 (p <0.05). The results also showed that the most deformity occurs in the left foot, which is as many as 13 feet (59.1%), while the right foot is 9 feet (40.9%).

Conclusion

One-year clinical output for neglected clubfoot patients who undergo a soft tissue release procedure show significant improvement in foot deformity, according to the assessment using the pirani scoring system. This indicates that the soft tissue release procedure is effective in dealing with neglected clubfoot and can improve the quality of life of patients through improving locomotor functions.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

Handling of neglected clubfoot with soft tissue release is very important, especially in developing countries where access to medical care is still limited. In this study, a significant improvement in the postoperative pirani score shows that appropriate medical measures can have a positive impact on patients. Pirani scores are widely used in evaluating the severity of Clubfoot deformity, because this system is relatively simple and easy to apply.

The Importance of Education and Preventive Measures

Preventive steps and faster handling can reduce the number of cases left behind and ensure that children can grow with optimal locomotor abilities. Delay in handling can be a challenge and need more attention to ensure that children with clubfoot get the care needed early. Thus, the results of this study not only provide evidence of the effectiveness of soft tissue releases, but also emphasizes the importance of education to parents and the public about the need for immediate treatment of abnormalities such as neglected clubfoot.

Limitations and Future Directions

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the retrospective design. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and use a prospective design to provide more robust evidence of the effectiveness of soft tissue release surgery. Additionally, further research is needed to explore the long-term outcomes of neglected clubfoot patients who undergo soft tissue release surgery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides evidence of the effectiveness of soft tissue release surgery in correcting foot deformity in neglected clubfoot patients. The results of this study highlight the importance of early treatment and the need for education to parents and the public about the need for immediate treatment of abnormalities such as neglected clubfoot. Preventive steps and faster handling can reduce the number of cases left behind and ensure that children can grow with optimal locomotor abilities.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations can be made:

Early treatment of neglected clubfoot is crucial in preventing long-term complications and improving the quality of life of patients.
Soft tissue release surgery is an effective procedure in correcting foot deformity in neglected clubfoot patients.
The Pirani Scoring System is a useful tool in evaluating the severity of clubfoot deformity and assessing the effectiveness of soft tissue release surgery.
Education to parents and the public about the need for immediate treatment of abnormalities such as neglected clubfoot is essential in preventing long-term complications.
Preventive steps and faster handling can reduce the number of cases left behind and ensure that children can grow with optimal locomotor abilities.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to explore the long-term outcomes of neglected clubfoot patients who undergo soft tissue release surgery. Additionally, further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of other treatment options, such as Ponseti method, in correcting foot deformity in neglected clubfoot patients.

Q: What is neglected clubfoot?

A: Neglected clubfoot is a congenital disorder that is one of the main causes of locomotor disability. It is a condition where the foot is deformed, and the bones and muscles are not properly aligned. If left untreated, it can lead to long-term complications and affect the quality of life of the patient.

Q: What is soft tissue release surgery?

A: Soft tissue release surgery is a procedure used to correct foot deformity in neglected clubfoot patients. It involves releasing the tight muscles and tendons that are causing the deformity, allowing the foot to be properly aligned and improving the patient's locomotor function.

Q: What is the Pirani Scoring System?

A: The Pirani Scoring System is a widely used system to evaluate the severity of clubfoot deformity. It assesses the degree of deformity by evaluating the presence of certain signs and symptoms, such as the presence of a cavus foot, a varus heel, and a supinated forefoot.

Q: What are the benefits of soft tissue release surgery?

A: The benefits of soft tissue release surgery include:

Improved locomotor function
Reduced pain and discomfort
Improved quality of life
Reduced risk of long-term complications

Q: What are the risks and complications of soft tissue release surgery?

A: The risks and complications of soft tissue release surgery include:

Infection
Bleeding
Nerve damage
Muscle weakness
Recurrence of deformity

Q: How long does soft tissue release surgery take?

A: Soft tissue release surgery typically takes several hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of procedures required.

Q: How long does it take to recover from soft tissue release surgery?

A: The recovery time from soft tissue release surgery varies depending on the individual patient and the complexity of the case. Generally, patients can expect to spend several weeks to several months in recovery, during which time they will need to follow a rehabilitation program to regain strength and mobility in their foot.

Q: Can soft tissue release surgery be performed on children?

A: Yes, soft tissue release surgery can be performed on children. In fact, it is often recommended for children with neglected clubfoot to correct the deformity and improve their locomotor function.

Q: Is soft tissue release surgery covered by insurance?

A: Soft tissue release surgery is typically covered by insurance, but the specific coverage and requirements will depend on the individual patient's insurance plan and the complexity of the case.

Q: What are the long-term outcomes of soft tissue release surgery?

A: The long-term outcomes of soft tissue release surgery are generally good, with most patients experiencing significant improvement in their locomotor function and quality of life. However, some patients may experience recurrence of deformity or other complications, and will need to follow a long-term rehabilitation program to maintain their results.

Q: Can soft tissue release surgery be combined with other treatments?

A: Yes, soft tissue release surgery can be combined with other treatments, such as physical therapy and bracing, to improve the patient's outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

Q: What are the alternatives to soft tissue release surgery?

A: The alternatives to soft tissue release surgery include:

Ponseti method
Bracing and casting
Physical therapy
Orthotics and shoe inserts

Q: How can I find a qualified surgeon to perform soft tissue release surgery?

A: To find a qualified surgeon to perform soft tissue release surgery, you can:

Ask for referrals from your primary care physician or other healthcare professionals
Check with your insurance provider for a list of qualified surgeons in your network
Research online and read reviews from other patients who have undergone the procedure
Contact the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) or the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) for a list of qualified surgeons in your area.