Clinical analysis of 11 cases of severe equinocavus deformity treated with Taylor Spatial Frame Miter configuration

Objective：To investigate the efficacy and safety of the treatment for severe equinocavus deformity with Taylor Spatial Frame Miter configuration. Methods：Clinical data of 11 cases of equinocavus patients treated with Miter configuration admitted at Beijing Jishuitan Hospital of Capital Medical University from November 2015 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The radiological parameters including tibiotalar angle (TTA), lateral talus-1st metatarsal angle (Meary angle) were measured on preoperative and postoperative weightbearing lateral view X-rays. The American Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score was recorded before and after the surgery. The satisfaction rate was evaluated using Liker scale. Results：Eleven cases were included with a mean follow-up time of (36.00±13.05) months. There were 3 females and 8 males with the mean age of (26.00±10.04) years. The external fixation time was (121.64±15.35) days. The postoperative TTA (117.57± 3.32)° returned to normal range and was significant different (P＜0.001) compared to the preoperative one (151.30±10.99)°. The postoperative Meary angle (-2.43±7.97)° returned to normal range and was significant different (P＜0.001) compared to the preoperative one (41.98 ± 9.86)°. The postoperative AOFAS score (81.18 ± 10.74) was significantly higher than the preoperative one (47.18±15.00) (P＜0.001). The Likert scale showed 9 cases of "very satisfied" and 2 cases of "satisfied". Six patients complicated with pin site infections, one developed mild flatfoot, one had toe contractures, one had ankle impingement and one had mild equinus recurrence. All ameliorated by conservative treatment except for arthroscopic debridement for ankle impingement. Conclusion：Severe equinocavus deformity can be treated effectively and safely by the Taylor Spatial Frame Miter configuration.