Publication:

Idiopathic clubfoot treated by Ponseti method: a series of 300 cases

Background Clubfoot is a complicated deformity of the foot. It is one of the commonest congenital deformities in children. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy management of clubfoot by Ponseti method.

Methods This prospective study included 300 children (456 club feet) below the age of 2 years with idiopathic clubfeet from January 2013 to December 2017. In all the cases the Ponseti method was used for the management. The severity of the deformity was assessed with the help of the Pirani score and clinical evaluation of the foot was done.

Results Out of 300 patients 204 patients were male and 96 patients were female and 144 were unilateral clubfoot and 156 were bilateral cases of clubfoot. The mean number of casts required for correction was 5.4 (4–10). Out of 456 clubfeet 356 (78%) feet were required tenotomy. There was relapse seen in 36 (7.9%) feet which had to be managed with 2–3 serial manipulations and casting and these resolved. Excellent result found in our study in 92% cases, good results were found in 5% cases and poor results were found in 3% cases.

Conclusions Ponseti technique is a very useful and effective method of management of idiopathic clubfoot up to 2 year of age.