Publication:

Management of idiopathic clubfoot with Ponseti technique

Background Idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (club foot) is a complex deformity that is difficult to correct. The goal of treatment is to reduce or eliminate its four components so that the patient has a functional foot and leads a normal life.

Methods Study have treated 20 patients with 32 idiopathic clubfoot deformities using Ponseti method. The severity was assessed by modified pirani scoring.

Results The mean number of casts that were applied to obtain correction was 7.02 (range four to nine casts). Tenotomy was done in 30 feet. Thirty feet had good results. One patient developed recurrence of the deformity due to non-compliance of the use of orthrotics.

Conclusions The Ponseti method is a safe and effective treatment for congenital idiopathic clubfoot and radically decreases the need for corrective surgery. Non-compliance with orthotics main factor causing failure of the technique.