We reviewed 19 patients (30 feet) with congenital vertical talus treated surgically between 1987 and 1999, 22 of them by the same surgeon.

The etiological diagnosis was idiopathic in seven patients. Six patients had associated congenital abnormalities (four arthrogryposis, two digitotalar dysmorphism) and six had associated neurological abnormalities (three microcephalic, three spinal dysraphism). Only two patients had surgery after the age of 18 months. The mean age at surgery was 14.7 months (6 to 51).

In 15 feet a two-stage procedure was performed. Lengthening of the extensor tendons, notably tibialis anterior, was followed six weeks later by posterior release. In 15 feet a one-stage procedure was done, with no lengthening of the extensors or transfer of tibialis anterior. The Kidner procedure was done in seven feet, but the tibialis posterior was never found to be subluxed and the procedure was abandoned. The calcaneocuboid joint was opened and pinned in eight feet. The peroneal tendons required lengthening in eight feet.

At a mean follow-up of 5.8 years (2 to 13.5), results were excellent in 17 feet (normal forefoot and hind-foot). Results were good in seven feet (normal radiographs, normal hindfoot, but pronated forefoot). In four feet the result was fair (valgus hindfoot with a plantarflexion angle of the talus more than 35(). In one patient, the results in both feet were poor (uncorrected).

All seven good results followed a two-stage procedure. We concluded that this was due to relative weakening of the lengthened tibialis anterior to the peroneus longus. Where necessary, plantarflexion of the talus should be corrected at operation, and this should be correlated with intra-operative fluoroscopy. Adequate reduction of the navicula inferomedially on the talar head obviates the need for tendon transfer.