Long-term Results of Comprehensive Clubfoot Release Versus the Ponseti Method: Which Is Better?

Background

Clubfoot can be treated nonoperatively, most commonly using a Ponseti approach, or surgically, most often with a comprehensive clubfoot release. Little is known about how these approaches compare with one another at longer term, or how patients treated with these approaches differ in terms of foot function, foot biomechanics, or quality-of-life from individuals who did not have clubfoot as a child.

Questions/purposes

We compared (1) focused physical and radiographic examinations, (2) gait analysis, and (3) quality-of-life measures at long-term followup between groups of adult patients with clubfoot treated either with the Ponseti method of nonsurgical management or a comprehensive surgical release through a Cincinnati incision, and compared these two groups with a control group without clubfoot.

Methods

This was a case control study of individuals treated for clubfoot at two separate institutions with different methods of treatment between 1983 to 1987. One hospital used only the Ponseti method and the other mainly used a comprehensive clubfoot release. There were 42 adults (24 treated surgically, 18 treated with Ponseti method) with isolated clubfoot along with 48 healthy control subjects who agreed to participate in a detailed analysis of physical function, foot biomechanics, and quality-of-life metrics.

Results

Both treatment groups had diminished strength and motion compared with the control subjects on physical examination measures; however, the Ponseti group had significantly greater ankle plantar flexion ROM (p < 0.001), greater ankle plantar flexor (p = 0.031) and evertor (p = 0.012) strength, and a decreased incidence of osteoarthritis in the ankle and foot compared with the surgical group. During gait the surgical group had reduced peak ankle plantar flexion (p = 0.002), and reduced sagittal plane hindfoot (p = 0.009) and forefoot (p = 0.008) ROM during the preswing phase compared with the Ponseti group. The surgical group had the lowest overall ankle power generation during push off compared with the control subjects (p = 0.002). Outcome tools revealed elevated pain levels in the surgical group compared with the Ponseti group (p = 0.008) and lower scores for physical function and quality-of-life for both clubfoot groups compared with age-range matched control subjects (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Although individuals in each treatment group experienced pain, weakness, and reduced ROM, they were highly functional into early adulthood. As adults the Ponseti group fared better than the surgically treated group because of advantages including increased ROM observed at the physical examination and during gait, greater strength, and less arthritis. This study supports efforts to correct clubfoot with Ponseti casting and minimizing surgery to the joints, and highlights the need to improve methods that promote ROM and strength which are important for adult function.

Level of Evidence

Level III, prognostic study.     

A comprehensive outcome comparison of surgical and Ponseti clubfoot treatments with reference to pediatric norms

Purpose

Isolated congenital clubfoot can be treated either operatively (posteromedial release) or conservatively (Ponseti method). This study retrospectively compared mid-term outcomes after surgical and Ponseti treatments to a normal sample and used multiple evaluation techniques, such as detailed gait analysis and foot kinematics.

Methods

Twenty-six children with clubfoot treated surgically and 22 children with clubfoot treated with the Ponseti technique were evaluated retrospectively and compared to 34 children with normal feet. Comprehensive evaluation included a full gait analysis with multi-segment and single-segment foot kinematics, pedobarograph, physical examination, validated outcome questionnaires, and radiographic measurements.

Results

The Ponseti group had significantly better plantarflexion and dorsiflexion range of motion during gait and had greater push-off power. Residual varus was present in both treatment groups, but more so in the operative group. Gait analysis also showed that the operative group had residual in-toeing, which appeared well corrected in the Ponseti group. Pedobarograph results showed that the operative group had significantly increased varus and significantly decreased medial foot pressure. The physical examination demonstrated significantly greater stiffness in the operative group in dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, ankle inversion, and midfoot abduction and adduction. Surveys showed that the Ponseti group had significantly more normal pediatric outcome data collection instrument results, disease-specific indices, and Dimeglio scores. The radiographic results suggested greater equinus and cavus and increased foot internal rotation profile in the operative group compared with the Ponseti group.

Conclusions

Ponseti treatment provides superior outcome to posteromedial release surgery, but residual deformity still persists.     

Report of the 1st European consensus meeting on Ponseti clubfoot treatment

Introduction

Standards for treating idiopathic clubfoot are still under discussion. Over the last 10–15 years the Ponseti method has been widely accepted as the treatment of choice, but the method has been modified very often, and the original protocol is not always properly performed. A consensus group was set up in the UK in 2011 to define standards for Ponseti clubfoot treatment, and the purpose of our meeting is to extend these standards to the European level. Clubfoot experts from 12 countries met at Karolinska University in Stockholm to discuss goals, standards, challenges and treatment outcome, based on literature review and personal experience.

Items discussed

The ambitious agenda included most aspects of clubfoot treatment. Discussion following an intensive literature review was constructive, and the group was able to carry out discussions on defining the goal of clubfoot treatment and the preferred standard of treatment.

Conclusion

In order to establish the Ponseti method as the most effective treatment in the European context a methodological approach and analysis of existing literature remain crucial. Focus should hereby remain on defining outcome measures, the evaluation and comparison of all available methods over the long term and ease of implementation in the different healthcare environments across Europe.     

Cost-Effectiveness of the Ponseti Method for Treatment of Clubfoot in Pakistan

Background

Clubfoot is disabling, with an incidence of 0.9/1,000 live births to 7/1,000 live births. It affects mobility, productivity, and quality of life. Patients are treated surgically or non-surgically using the Ponseti method. We estimated the cost per patient treated with both methods and the cost-effectiveness of these methods in Pakistan.

Methods

Parents of patients treated, either surgically or with the Ponseti method, at the Indus Hospital’s free program for clubfoot were interviewed between February and May 2012. We measured the direct and indirect household expenditures for pre-diagnosis, incomplete treatment, and current treatment until the first brace for Ponseti method and the first corrective surgery for surgically treated patients. Hospital expenditure was measured by existing accounts.

Results

Average per-patient cost was $349 for the Ponseti method and $810 for patients treated surgically. Of these, the Indus hospital costs were $170 the for Ponseti method and $452 for surgically treated patients. The direct household expenditure was $154 and $314 for the Ponseti and surgical methods, respectively. The majority of the costs were incurred pre-diagnosis and after inadequate treatment, with the largest proportion spent on transportation, material, and fee for service. The Ponseti method is shown to be the dominant method of treatment, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $1,225.

Conclusions

The Ponseti method is clearly the treatment of choice in resource-constrained settings like Pakistan. Household costs for clubfoot treatment are substantial, even in programs offering free diagnostics and treatments and may be a barrier to service utilization for the poorest patients.     

Good results after Ponseti treatment for neglected congenital clubfoot in Ethiopia: A prospective study of 22 children (32 feet) from 2 to 10 years of age

Background and purpose —

Neglected clubfoot deformity is a major cause of disability in low-income countries. Most children with clubfoot have little access to treatment in these countries, and they are often inadequately treated. We evaluated the effectiveness of Ponseti’s technique in neglected clubfoot in children in a rural setting in Ethiopia.

Patients and methods —

A prospective study was conducted from June 2007 through July 2010. 22 consecutive children aged 2–10 years (32 feet) with neglected clubfoot were treated by the Ponseti method. The deformity was assessed using the Pirani scoring system. The average follow-up time was 3 years.

Results —

A plantigrade functional foot was obtained in all patients by Ponseti casting and limited surgical intervention. 2 patients (4 feet) had recurrent deformity. They required re-manipulation and re-tenotomy of the Achilles tendon and 1 other patient required tibialis anterior transfer for dynamic supination deformity of the foot.

Interpretation —

This study shows that the Ponseti method with some additional surgery can be used successfully as the primary treatment in neglected clubfoot, and that it minimizes the need for extensive corrective surgery.Many children with congenital talipes equino varus (CTEV) in low-income countries end up with neglected clubfoot deformity (untreated children > 2 years) because of the lack of treatment capacity. In Ethiopia, it is estimated that there are 3,000–5,000 new CTEV cases per year, but there are no reliable data available.Neglected clubfoot is a common, disabling problem in Ethiopia. For many years, the treatment for clubfoot in Ethiopia has been nonoperative treatment with Kite’s technique, followed by a posteromedial release, with significant surgical complications and poor results (personal observations by the authors). A dramatic reduction in radical clubfoot operation has been reported in parts of the world where Ponseti treatment has been introduced (Morquende et al. 2004, Zionts et al. 2010). We have the same subjective impression in Ethiopia, but there are no published data.Ponseti treatment was introduced in Ethiopia in June 2005 at the Orthopaedic Department, Black Lion Hospital (BLH), University of Addis Ababa. It has gradually been adopted in several places in a cooperation between BLH and Cure International, Ethiopia. Several thousand children have been involved.In the past decade, the Ponseti method has become recognized globally as the gold standard for clubfoot treatment in younger children (< 2 years old) (Cooper et al. 1995, Bor et al. 2009, Pirani et al. 2009, Sætersdal et al. 2012).There have been some reports of Ponseti treatment being given successfully to children with neglected clubfoot (Verma et al. 2012, Laurenco et al. 2007, Alves et al. 2009), but there has been no general acceptance of treating children older than 2 years with this method. Today, these children are probably treated with radical operations or left untreated (De Rosa and Norrish 2012).Inspired by the results of A. F. Laurenco, which were communicated personally before his article was published in 2007, we treated some neglected children over the age of 2 years when the Ponseti treatment was started in Addis Ababa (at BLH), and the initial results were encouraging.The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the short-term results of using the Ponseti technique for treatment of children with neglected clubfoot deformity in a rural hospital in Ethiopia.     

Ponseti method compared to previous treatment of clubfoot in Norway. A multicenter study of 205 children followed for 8–11 years

Purpose

Despite few studies comparing Ponseti treatment and traditional treatment of clubfoot (talipes equinovarus), the Ponseti method is now accepted as standard treatment for this deformity. The Ponseti method was introduced in Norway in 2003 and the purpose of this multicenter-study was to compare the results of Ponseti treatment with the results of the previous treatment for clubfoot in Norway.

Methods

90 children (134 clubfeet) treated with previous treatment (pre-Ponseti group), were compared to 115 Ponseti treated children (160 clubfeet) (Ponseti group). The previous treatment consisted of casting and surgery if needed. At 8–11 years of age, all children were examined by the same orthopaedic surgeon, the parents answered a questionnaire, all feet were X-rayed and information about surgical procedures was obtained from the patient records.

Results

The number of surgeries was higher in the pre-Ponseti group, and the number of extensive surgeries was 119 in the pre-Ponseti group compared to 19 in the Ponseti group. The range of motion in the ankle joint was better in the Ponseti group. Children in this group had better function, higher satisfaction and less pain according to patient and parent reported outcome measures. The incidence of moderate or severe talar flattening was higher in the pre-Ponseti group.

Conclusion

Ponseti treatment seems to be superior to the previous treatment in Norway, with regards to number and severity of operations, flexibility of the foot and ankle, parent/patient reported outcome and the presence of talar flattening on X-ray.

     

Assessment of Pediatric Surgery Capacity at Government Hospitals in Sierra Leone

Background

Traditionally, efforts to reduce child mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have focused on infectious diseases. However, surgical care is increasingly seen as an important component of primary health care. To understand the baseline surgical capacity in LMICs, a number of studies have recently been published, but none has focused on pediatric surgery.

Methods

The Surgeons OverSeas (SOS) Personnel, Infrastructure, Procedures, Equipment and Supplies (PIPES) survey was used to collect surgical capacity data from government hospitals in Sierra Leone. The data were analyzed specifically to identify baseline needs for pediatric surgery.

Results

Nine hospitals were assessed, and all had a functioning laboratory to test blood and urine and were capable of undertaking resuscitation, suturing, wound débridement, incision and drainage of an abscess, appendectomy, and male circumcision. However, in only 67?% could a pediatric hernia repair be performed, and in none were more complex procedures such as cleft lip and clubfoot repairs performed. Fewer than 50?% of facilities had sufficient gloves, nasogastric tubes, intravenous cannulas, syringes, needles, sutures, urinary catheters, infusion sets, anesthesia machines, or compressed oxygen.

Conclusions

Using the standard PIPES tool, we found severe deficiencies in the pediatric surgical capacity at government hospitals in Sierra Leone. However, a pediatric-specific tool is required to understand more accurately the pediatric surgical situation.     

The impact of the Ponseti treatment method on parents and caregivers of children with clubfoot: a comparison of two urban populations in Europe and Africa

Purpose

With the Ponseti treatment method established as the gold standard, children with clubfeet face a prolonged treatment regime that might impact on their families. We aimed to determine how Ponseti treatment influences the lives of parents and caregivers and what coping strategies they use. Secondarily, we aimed to identify any potential differences between two urban referral centres for clubfoot.

Methods

A total of 115 parents of children affected with idiopathic clubfoot were recruited and included in two groups: one from the United Kingdom (UK) and the other from South Africa (SA). The participants completed the following three instruments: the Impact on Family Scale (IOFS), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Brief COPE.

Results

During the bracing phase, the IOFS showed a trend towards lower scores when compared to the casting phase for both cohorts (p = 0.247 and p = 0.434, respectively). The SA population scored higher than the UK in the MSPSS in both casting (p = 0.002) and bracing phases (p = 0.004) and used coping strategies at a significantly higher level when compared to the UK population (p < 0.05) in both treatment phases.

Conclusion

This is the first study to show that Ponseti treatment for clubfoot causes an impact on family function. In SA, perceived social support is higher and coping strategies are used more often than in the UK to deal with the stressful circumstances of treatment.

     

Vergleich der Behandlungsergebnisse bei kongenitalen idiopathischen und nichtidiopathischen Klumpfü?en

Background

Clubfoot deformity is one of the most common congenital musculoskeletal deformities and occurs in newborns with different neuromuscular diseases. To date the Ponseti method is the gold standard for the treatment of idiopathic clubfeet but not for non-idiopathic clubfeet which are associated with neuromuscular diseases. The results of the treatment for congenital idiopathic and non-idiopathic clubfeet according to Ponseti performed in our department since 2004 were compared concerning results and relapse surgery with particular reference to the compliance of the parents concerning the use of an abduction splint.

Patients and methods

A total of 101?children (28 female and 73 male) with 159 clubfeet were treated with the Ponseti method and included in this prospective non-randomized cohort study. Of these children 27 with 48 affected feet suffered from neuromuscular diseases which are associated with clubfoot deformity, such as myelomeningocele (n=4), arthrogryposis (n=9) and various other syndromes (n=14). The degree of the deformity was evaluated with the Pirani score initially, after casting and at follow-up. Parents were asked at follow-up to state subjectively how compliant they were with the abduction splint treatment. The necessity of surgical treatment of relapses was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed applying ??² and Kruskal-Wallis tests for the comparison of idiopathic and non-idiopathic clubfeet.

Results

The average period of follow-up was 36?month (range 6?C75?months) and non-idiopathic clubfeet were initially significantly more severely deformed according to the Pirani-score (p=0.013). Treatment of non-idiopathic clubfeet was started significantly later than that of idiopathic clubfeet (p=0.003) and took significantly longer (p <0.001). A correlation between the initiation of casting and the duration of casting was not found (p=0.399). At the end of the casting period no significant differences were found between correction of idiopathic and non-idiopathic clubfeet with respect to the Pirani score (p=0.8). The mean score after casting was 0.1 in both groups. At mid-term follow-up the score increased in both groups but stayed below 0.5 with non-idiopathic clubfeet showing a significantly higher score than idiopathic clubfeet (p=0.014). Relapse surgery was necessary in 11% of the patients. No significant difference in the revision rate was found between the two groups (p=0.331) and peritalar release was not necessary in either group. The rate of revisions correlated with the compliance concerning the use of the abduction splint (p <0.001). Only 61% of the parents stated that they adhered strictly to the abduction splint treatment recommendations with no significant difference between the groups (p=0.398).

Conclusion

This study shows good initial results after Ponseti treatment for idiopathic as well as non-idiopathic clubfeet. Based on the good functional results all clubfeet should initially be treated with the Ponseti method regardless of the etiology.     

Ponseti treatment in the management of clubfoot deformity - a continuing role for paediatric orthopaedic services in secondary care centres

INTRODUCTION

The Ponseti technique is a well-proven way of managing paediatric clubfoot deformity. We describe a management set-up which spreads the care between secondary and tertiary care with no loss of quality.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In our audit of the first 2 years of Ponseti casting in the treatment of idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV, clubfoot) deformity, we identified 77 feet having been treated in 50 patients. Forty-nine feet were treated primarily in Oswestry, a tertiary referral centre for paediatric orthopaedic conditions, and 13 feet were treated in conjunction with the physiotherapy department at one of the region''s district general hospitals (Leighton Hospital, Crewe, Cheshire).

RESULTS

Similar good results and low requirement for surgical interventions other than Achilles tenotomy, which forms part of the Ponseti regimen, were found in both cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

This ‘hub-and-spoke’ approach would appear to be efficient in terms of resource utilisation. Additional benefits atients and their carers include ease of access to services and reduced financial and transport burdens.     

Shortage of Doctors, Shortage of Data: A Review of the Global Surgery, Obstetrics, and Anesthesia Workforce Literature

Introduction

The global surgery workforce is in crisis in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The shortage of surgery, obstetrics, and anesthesia providers is an important cause of the unmet need for surgical care in LMICs. The goal of this paper is to summarize the available literature about surgical physicians in LMICs and to describe ongoing initiatives to supplement the existing surgical workforce data.

Methods

We performed a systematic search and literature review of the English-language literature regarding the number of surgeons, obstetrician–gynecologists, and anesthesiologists practicing in LMICs.

Results

Literature describing the number of surgeons, obstetricians, and anesthesiologists practicing in LMICs represents a small minority of LMICs, and indicates consistently low levels of surgical physicians. Our literature search yielded comprehensive data for only six countries. No national data were found for 23 of the 57 countries considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be in health workforce ‘crisis.’ Across LMICs, general surgeon density ranged from 0.13 to 1.57 per 100,000 population, obstetrician density ranged from 0.042 to 12.5 per 100,000, and anesthesiologist density ranged from 0 to 4.9 per 100,000. Total anesthesiologist, obstetrician, and surgeon density was significantly correlated with gross domestic product (GDP) per capita (r ² = 0.097, p = 0.0002).

Conclusion

The global surgery workforce is in crisis, yet is poorly characterized by the current English-language literature. There is a critical need for systematically collected, national-level data regarding surgery providers in LMICs to guide improvements in surgery access and care. The Harvard Global Surgery Workforce Initiative and the WHO global surgical workforce database are working to address this need by surveying Ministries of Health and surgical professional organizations around the world.     

Screening and management of mental health and substance use disorders in HIV treatment settings in low‐ and middle‐income countries within the global IeDEA consortium

Introduction

Integration of services to screen and manage mental health and substance use disorders (MSDs) into HIV care settings has been identified as a promising strategy to improve mental health and HIV treatment outcomes among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Data on the extent to which HIV treatment sites in LMICs screen and manage MSDs are limited. The objective of this study was to assess practices for screening and treatment of MSDs at HIV clinics in LMICs participating in the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) consortium.

Methods

We surveyed a stratified random sample of 95 HIV clinics in 29 LMICs in the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia‐Pacific and sub‐Saharan Africa. The survey captured information onsite characteristics and screening and treatment practices for depression, post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders (SUDs) and other mental health disorders.

Results

Most sites (n = 76, 80%) were in urban areas. Mental health screening varied by disorder: 57% of sites surveyed screened for depression, 19% for PTSD, 55% for SUDs and 29% for other mental health disorders. Depression, PTSD, SUDs and other mental health disorders were reported as managed on site (having services provided at the HIV clinic or same health facility) at 70%, 51%, 41% and 47% of sites respectively. Combined availability of screening and on‐site management of depression, PTSD, and SUDs, and other mental health disorders was reported by 42%, 14%, 26% and 19% of sites, respectively. On‐site management of depression and PTSD was reported significantly less often in rural as compared to urban settings (depression: 33% and 78% respectively; PTSD: 24% and 58% respectively). Screening for depression and SUDs was least commonly reported by HIV programmes that treated only children as compared to HIV programmes that treated only adults or treated both adults and children.

Conclusions

Significant gaps exist in the management of MSDs in HIV care settings in LMICs, particularly in rural settings. Identification and evaluation of optimal implementation strategies to scale and sustain integrated MSDs and HIV care is needed.

     

Multidisciplinary Management of Rectal Cancer: the OSTRICH

Background

Disparity exists in outcomes for rectal cancer patients in the US. Similar problems in several European countries have been addressed by the creation of national networks of rectal cancer centers of excellence (CoEs) that follow evidence-based care pathways and specified protocols of care and process and are certified by regular external validation.

Aim

This paper reviews the current status of rectal cancer care in the US and examines the evidence for multidisciplinary rectal cancer management. A US rectal cancer CoE system based on the existing UK model is proposed.

Methods

A literature search was performed for publications related to US rectal cancer outcomes, multidisciplinary management of rectal cancer, and European rectal cancer programs.

Results

US rectal cancer outcomes are highly variable. The majority of US rectal cancer patients are treated by generalists in low-volume hospitals. Current evidence supports five main principles of rectal cancer care that have been incorporated into European rectal cancer CoE programs. These programs have dramatically improved rectal cancer outcomes in Scandanavian countries and the UK.

Conclusions

A similar CoE program should be established in the US to improve the outcomes of rectal cancer patients.     

Comparison of the short-term and long-term results of the Ponseti method in the treatment of idiopathic pes equinovarus

Purpose

Congenital club foot is one of the most common birth defects involving the musculoskeletal system. At present two methods are used for the treatment of this deformity: French and Ponseti method. The purpose of this study was to compare the short-term (up to three years) and long-term (three to seven years) results of treatment with the Ponseti method.

Methods

A total of 195 consecutive infants (143 boys and 52 girls) with idiopathic club foot treated with the Ponseti method in the period of 2005–2012 were included in this study; the total number of feet was 303. The severity of the foot deformity was classified according to Diméglio. When relapse occurred up until three years of age, we started with the casting again. If conservative treatment was unsuccessful we proceeded to surgical treatment.

Results

Primary correction was attained in all cases. Surgical correction of relapses was performed in 30 % of patients according to the Ponseti method (re-tenotomy of the Achilles tendon and transposition of the tibialis anterior) and in 70 % by alternative techniques. The number of relapses indicated for surgery increased with increasing period of follow-up: whereas in patients where the treatment started already in 2005 relapses occurred in 72 %, in patients included in 2011 the number of recurrences only reached 3 %.

Conclusions

It follows from our results that it is impossible to cure all club feet with casting, tenotomy of the Achilles tendon and transposition of the tibialis anterior only.     

Use of the Ponseti method for recurrent clubfoot following posteromedial release

Background:

A child with recurrent or incompletely corrected clubfoot after previous extensive soft tissue release is treated frequently with revision surgery. This leads to further scarring, pain and limitations in range of motion. We have utilized the Ponseti method of manipulation and casting and when indicated, tibialis anterior tendon transfer, instead of revision surgery for these cases.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review of all children treated since 2002 (n = 11) at our institution for recurrent or incompletely corrected clubfoot after previous extensive soft tissue release was done. Clinical and operative records were reviewed to determine procedure performed. Ponseti manipulation and casting were done until the clubfoot deformity was passively corrected. Based on the residual equinus and dynamic deformity, heel cord lengthening or tenotomy and tibialis anterior transfer were then done. Clinical outcomes regarding pain, function and activity were reviewed.

Results:

Eleven children (17 feet) with ages ranging from 1.1 to 8.4 years were treated with this protocol. All were correctable with the Ponseti method with one to eight casts. Casts were applied until the only deformities remaining were either or both hindfoot equinus and dynamic supination. Nine feet required a heel cord procedure for equinus and 15 required tibialis anterior transfer for dynamic supination. Seven children have follow-up greater than one year (average 27.1 months) and have had excellent results. Two patients had persistent hindfoot valgus which required hemiepiphyseodesis of the distal medial tibia.

Conclusion:

The Ponseti method, followed by tibialis anterior transfer and/or heel cord procedure when indicated, can be successfully used to correct recurrent clubfoot deformity in children treated with previous extensive soft tissue release. Early follow-up has shown correction without revision surgery. This treatment protocol prevents complications of stiffness, pain and difficulty in ambulating associated with multiple soft tissue releases for clubfeet.     

The effectiveness of the Ponseti method for treating clubfoot associated with arthrogryposis: up to 8 years follow-up

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Ponseti method in treating clubfoot associated with arthrogryposis.

Methods

Retrospective consecutive review over a 10-year period in a tertiary centre of all patients with arthrogrypotic clubfoot treated with the Ponseti method. The primary outcome measure at final follow-up was the functional correction of the deformity.

Results

There were ten children with 17 arthrogrypotic clubfeet, with an average follow-up of 5.8 years (range 3–8 years). The average age at presentation was 5 weeks (range 2–20 weeks). Deformities were severe, with an average Pirani score of 5.5 (range 3–6). Initial correction was achieved in all children with an average of 8 (range 4–10) Ponseti casts and a tendo-Achilles tenotomy (TAT) was performed in 94.1 %. Two-thirds of patients had a satisfactory outcome at final follow-up, with functional plantigrade, pain-free feet.

Conclusions

The Ponseti method is an effective first-line treatment for arthrogrypotic clubfeet to achieve functional plantigrade feet. Children will often require more casts and have a higher risk of relapse.

     

Management of severe relapsed clubfeet in older children by the Ilizarov external fixation

Introduction

Although the standard treatment of clubfoot deformity is conservative by serial casting techniques, relapses are not uncommon. Management of relapsed clubfoot deformity in older children is an orthopedic challenge. There is a growing interest in management of such complex deformities using the Ilizarov technique.

Patients and methods

In this study, the Ilizarov frame was used to correct severe relapsed clubfoot deformities in older children, who underwent previous surgical interventions. Forty-two relapsed clubfeet were included. The Dimeglio classification was used for clinical assessment of the relapsed feet preoperatively as well as postoperatively.

Results

According to the Beatson and Pearson’s numerical assessment, favorable results (excellent or good) were found in 37 feet, while poor results took place in only five feet.

Conclusions

Based on the final clinical and radiographic results, the Ilizarov technique could be considered as a good management alternative for such severe deformities.