Plantar release in the correction of deformities of the foot in childhood.

One hundred and ninety-one feet with residual cavovarus deformities from club foot or poliomyelitis were treated by a plantar release followed by correction with serial cast application. Roentgenographically, there was significant improvement in the adduction of the fore part of the foot and the cavus deformity, but the varus angulation of the hind part of the foot did not improve. In children more than six years old with deformities resulting from club foot, the plantar release was particularly effective in alleviating residual cavus deformity. In cavus deformity resulting from poliomyelitis, preliminary data indicate a positive effect in feet with pure cavus deformity and cavus deformity associated with equinus angulation of the hind part of the foot, while the results in feet with a cavus deformity and associated calcaneal deformity of the hind part of the foot typically were unsatisfactory.