Clubfoot: a cord retainer.

Using a cord to retain the surgically corrected clubfoot replaces the need for repeated plaster casts and prolonged orthotics. Cords of braided polyester or nylon suture material 0.5 mm in diameter (a pair or more) were stretched between the fifth metatarsal and the lower metaphysis of the fibula. The required strength of the cord was judged from the initial range of motion (ROM) of the ankle and subtalar joints, and a factor derived from the body weight. The mean follow-up in five patients was 26.8 months (range 18-33 months). The peroneal muscles recovered an average of 9 months (range 7-11 months). Our one failure was caused by inaccurate estimation of cord strength.