Results of JESS (Joshi's External Stabilizing System) in Relapsed, Neglected and Neurogenic Clubfoot in an Age Group of 2-10 Years.

BACKGROUND: Joshi's External Stabilization System (JESS) is an external fixator based methodology to correct different deformities of club foot using differential distraction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: 31 difficult clubfeet feet in 24 patients who were neglected, neurogenic or relapsed were treated using JESS between July 2013 to June 2015 with an average follow-up of 4. 2 years. There were 16 males and 8 females in an age group of 2-10 years. 30 feet belonged to the severe and most severe group as per the Dimeglio Scoring System. All patients achieved correction of all components of the clubfoot.

RESULTS: However, one patient required tibialis anterior transfer for dynamic forefoot adduction at the end of treatment. The mean total duration in JESS fixation was 69.5 days/foot (range 44-123 days) and the mean time to achieve correction within JESS averaged 52 days. The deformities improved from a mean Dimeglio score of 14.06 to 2.93. The objective radiological assessment of the deformities revealed improvements in the talocalcaneal angle on AP view from 16.39° to 34.52° and on lateral view from 15.97° to 33.03°. The Talo-1st metatarsal angle (AP view) improved from 35.29° to 7°. Complications included 11 cases of superficial pin tract infection, two instances of pin loosening and a case of pin cut out. There were three cases of 1st metatarsophalangeal dislocation that were managed by reversing the process of distraction.

CONCLUSION: JESS is an effective method for managing difficult clubfeet.