The classic: observations on pathogenesis and treatment of congenital clubfoot. 1972

The Evolution of the Treatment of Clubfoot from Posterior Medial Release to the Ponseti Technique: My 42-Year Journey at the Permanente Medical Group

Traditionally, the Kite manipulation and casting were utilized for the treatment of the congenital clubfoot. This was followed by an extensive posterior medial soft tissue surgical release followed by more casting. Often, the results were less than optimal with scarred, painful feet that needed further corrective surgery. Dr. Ponseti developed a different technique of manipulation, casting, and an Achilles tenotomy that fully corrected these clubfeet without the need for the extensive surgery. This was followed by the mandatory use of night braces with special shoes for a period of 4 years. The Ponseti method is now universally utilized around the world and is the standard of care for the management of clubfoot. I was fortunate to have been personally trained by Dr. Ponseti, and I have exclusively practiced this technique for the past 25 years.

The Incidence of Clubfoot in the Czech Republic: A Nationwide Epidemiological Study from 2000 to 2014

Clubfoot is one of the most common musculoskeletal birth deformities worldwide. The prevalence varies among individual countries and populations. There is a lack of nationwide incidence studies in Central Europe. We analyzed the incidence of clubfoot in the Czech Republic over 14 years. Patients born with clubfoot in the Czech Republic were identified using The National Registry of Congenital Anomalies. Demographic data were included. Data from 2000 to 2014 were collected and analyzed regarding gender and regional distribution. The study's chosen time frame was grounded on the condition of the Czech industry. Following extensive transformations in 1989, the industry eliminated highly non-ecological operations with significant environmental impact and related health risks. The incidence of clubfoot during the study period was 1.9 (95% CI 1.8-2.0) per 1000 births; males comprised the majority (59%). The incidence significantly differed among individual regions of the Czech Republic (p < 0.001). The incidence in the Czech Republic was higher than in previous European studies. We found significant regional differences in incidence, which could indicate that there may be exogenous pathogenic factors. For this reason, we plan to follow up our work with an up-to-date study.

Congenital talipes equinovarus: A literature review

Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) is a congenital disability characterized by leg deformities in the cavus, adducts, varus, and equinus. The etiology of CTEV is poorly understood, despite its incidence ranging from 0.76 to 3.49 cases per 1000 live births in Indonesia. CTEV involves the fixation of the foot in the adducts, varus, and equinus with concurrent soft tissue anomalies. Despite advances in treatment, disability often persists. Theoretical models have been proposed for neurological, vascular, connective tissue, bone, and muscular causes; however, the currently available data suggests that mild cases are associated with intrauterine position. CTEV's etiology appears to involve a hereditary component, as its prevalence varies by ethnic group. Genetic factors have been identified in 24–50% of cases, depending on the community studied. Based on a complex segregation analysis, the most plausible inheritance pattern is a single large-effect gene interacting with a polygenic background.

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CTEV is a congenital disability characterized by leg deformities in the cavus, adducts, varus, and equinus.

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In Indonesia, its incidence ranges from 0.76 to 3.49 cases per 1000 live births.

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Genetic factors have been identified in 24–50% of cases, depending on the community studied.

Talipes Equinovarus in Loeys-Dietz Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) commonly presents with foot deformities, such as talipes equinovarus (TEV), also known as "clubfoot." Although much is known about the treatment of idiopathic TEV, very little is known about the treatment of TEV in LDS. Here, we summarize the clinical characteristics of patients with LDS and TEV and compare clinical and patient-reported outcomes of operative versus nonoperative treatment.

METHODS

We identified 47 patients with TEV from a cohort of 252 patients with LDS who presented to our academic tertiary care hospital from 2010 to 2016. A questionnaire, electronic health records, clinical photos and radiographs, and telephone calls were used to collect baseline, treatment, and outcome data. The validated disease-specific instrument was used to determine patient-reported foot/ankle functional limitations after treatment. Patients were categorized into nonoperative and operative groups, with the operative group subcategorized according to whether the posteromedial release was performed.

RESULTS

Within our TEV cohort, bilateral TEV was present in 40 patients (85%). Thirty-seven patients underwent surgery (14 involving posteromedial release), and 10 were treated nonoperatively. The operative group had a higher incidence of posttreatment foot/ankle functional limitation (71%) than the nonoperative group (25%) ( P =0.04). The pain was the most common functional limitation (54%). The posteromedial release was associated with a higher incidence of developing hindfoot valgus compared with surgery not involving posteromedial release (43% vs. 8.7%, P =0.04) and compared with nonoperative treatment (43% vs. 0.0%, P =0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that patients with LDS have a high incidence of bilateral TEV. Operative treatment was associated with posttreatment foot/ankle functional limitations, and posteromedial release was associated with hindfoot valgus overcorrection deformity. These findings could have implications for the planning of surgery for TEV in LDS patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Three-dimensional gait analysis in children with recurrent idiopathic clubfoot undergoing complete tibialis anterior tendon transfer

This study was aimed to evaluate the kinetics and kinematics of the foot and ankle using three-dimensional gait analysis in children with recurrent clubfoot treated with tibialis anterior tendon transfer (TATT). Three-dimensional gait analysis of 17 children with dynamic supination (24 feet; 12 males; mean age: 6.34 years) was performed pre- and post-TATT. Spatial, temporal and kinematic parameters, as well as the gait deviation index (GDI), were recorded for all patients. Moreover, to evaluate the severity of dynamic supination during walking, we also measured the angle between the plane of the foot and the X-axis during the swing phase (V-angle-S). The postoperative step length (38.95 ± 8.36 cm) and stride length (76.73 ± 15.92 cm) were significantly smaller than their preoperative values (40.68 ± 9.35 cm and 80.57 ± 17.51 cm; P = 0.0316 and P = 0.0028, respectively). The postoperative peak internal ankle rotation angle in the frontal plane (20.45° ± 14.44) was significantly lower than the preoperative value (25.93° ± 9.84; P = 0.029). The postoperative peak internal foot progression angle in the transverse plane (0.96° ± 5.83) was significantly lower than the preoperative value (4.34° ± 8.88; P = 0.026). However, both the peak ankle varus moment and GDI were not significantly different between the pre- and postoperative data. Postoperative V-angle-S values (28.55° ± 7.56) were reduced compared to their preoperative values (32.52° ± 6.53; P = 0.0094). TATT to the lateral cuneiform can correct dynamic supination in patients with a recurrent clubfoot; however, it has limited or no effects on hindfoot varus deformity. Level of evidence: Level III.

Assessment of early Achilles tenotomy in the newborn idiopathic pes equinovarus

We aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of early Achilles tenotomy which was performed before Ponseti method in PEV deformities. 37 feet of 26 patients with Dimeglio type 3 and 4 deformities were included in the study. Unlike the classical Ponseti method, patients underwent a mini-open Achilles tenotomy before the first cast. 6-month follow-up of the foot deformities were assessed using Dimeglio classification clinically and lateral talocalcaneal and tibiocalcaneal angles radiologically. There were 20 male and 6 female patients with the median age of 14 days (4-37 days) and 11 bilateral and 15 unilateral deformities. The average follow-up period was 7 months (6-12 months). The mean Dimeglio scores before the Achilles tenotomy and Dimeglio score at the 6 th month follow-up were 14 (11-16) and 4 (4-6) for the right feet, 13 (10-16) and 4 (4-6) for the left feet respectively. The mean number of casting was 3.8 ± 0.4 for right feet and 3.7 ± 0.4 for left feet. The mean talocalcaneal angle was 24 ± 8.2 degrees for the right feet and 27 ± 8.2 degrees for the left feet. The mean tibiocalcaneal angle was 69 ± 12 for the right feet and 72 ± 14 degrees for the left feet. Early Achilles tenotomy can decrease the total number of cast for deformity correction in Ponseti method and provide good clinical and radiological outcomes at 6 th month follow-up in severe PEV deformities according to Dimeglio classification.

Are early antero-posterior and lateral radiographs predictive of clubfoot relapse requiring surgical intervention in children treated by Ponseti method?

Purpose

To investigate the value of antero-posterior and lateral radiographs in predicting clubfoot relapse after treatment with the Ponseti method.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of 104 children (157 feet) younger than 3 months of age with idiopathic clubfoot treated using the Ponseti method at our institution between January 2007 and December 2014. All patients underwent Achilles tenotomy and were divided into two groups according to the need for further surgery to correct the deformity: relapsed group (24 patients; 36 feet) and non-relapsed group (80 patients; 121 feet). All antero-posterior and lateral foot radiographs were performed less than 3 months after Achilles tenotomy. The talo-calcaneal (TC-AP) and talus-first metatarsal (TM-AP) angles were measured in the antero-posterior view, while the tibio-calcaneal (TIC-L), talus-first metatarsal (TM-L), and talo-calcaneal (TC-L) angles were measured in the lateral view. The multi-factor logistic regression model of the stepwise selection method was used to predict the relapse of clubfoot deformity from the potential predictive values.

Results

The mean age at initial plain radiography examination was 99.45 ± 21.54 days. Differences in TC-AP, TM-AP, TC-L, and TIC-L between the two groups were statistically significant. However, only TM-AP and TIC-L were included in the "risk of relapse" formula using the multi-factor logistic stepwise selection method.

Conclusion

Early antero-posterior and lateral radiographs in children younger than 3 months of age at initial Ponseti treatment have positive predictive value for relapse. Reduced TM-AP angle and increased TIC-L were associated with an increased risk of relapse.

Level of evidence

level III.

Congenital Clubfoot - Is the Ponseti Method the Definitive Solution?

Congenital clubfoot is one of the most common deformities at birth. The inadequacy or absence of treatment causes serious limitations for people with this condition. The initial treatment using the Ponseti method ensures functional results superior to other treatment modalities previously proposed. However, recurrences and neglected feet are still a challenge today. An understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease, as well as of the anatomy and local biomechanics and a thorough clinical and radiological evaluation of patients are essential to understanding the limits of the method and choosing the best treatment.

Transfer of distal peroneus longus tendon to tibialis anterior by retrograde fixation to treat spastic equinovarus foot in adults: Surgical Technique and Preliminary Results

We describe a retrograde transfer of the distal tendon of the peroneus longus (PL) onto the tibialis anterior (TA) tendon to treat spastic equinovarus foot (SEVF) in adults. The fact that the distal tendon insertions of the PL and TA are a mirror image makes them antagonists. The aim is to divert the distal tendon in front the inactive distal PL tendon, by fixing to the TA in the middle third of the lower leg. This transforms it into a dorsiflexor and reinforces its eversion ability. The suture level helps to avoid skin impingement when wearing shoes, and the complications inherent to transosseous fixation. In a preliminary case series of 10 patients, we found no complications at a mean follow-up of 4.7 years. The Foot Posture Index-6 improved by an average of 2.4 points. Four patients had regained active dorsiflexion. All patients reduced their use of orthotics. All patients improved according to Goal Attainment Scaling.

The 'Hybrid method' for the treatment of congenital clubfoot

Background

The hybrid method combines the advantages of the Ponseti technique and of the French Physical Therapy method. The main goal of this study is to present our results on 139 consecutive newborns with clubfoot (n=212 feet) treated at our Institution with the hybrid method.

Methods

From May 2010 until August 2020, 139 consecutive newborns with congenital clubfoot (66 unilateral; 73 bilateral) were treated by the hybrid method protocol and were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were admitted via the maternity ward with their family and personal history records, i.e., parental age, parity, gender, birth weight, involved side and presence/absence of associated medical conditions. At birth, all clubfeet were graded in ascending order of severity according to Dimeglio et al.’s classification system. AP and lateral radiographs of each foot are taken every 5 to 6 months from age 6 months to 2 years, then once a year until age 4 years, to assess divergence between talus and calcaneus on both projections

Results

The cohort counted a total of 100 boys (71.9%) and 39 girls (28.1%). Clubfoot was unilateral in 66 patients (47.5%) and bilateral in 73 (52.5%). All but 10 patients had idiopathic clubfoot deformity (92.8%). Mean number of casts per patient was 8 (range: 4–11). One hundred and thirty patients out of 139 underwent percutaneous Achilles tenotomy under general anesthesia (93.5%). Overall, tibialis anterior transfer was performed in 6/212 feet (2.8%), posterior release in 9/212 (4.2%) and medial release in 1/212 foot (0.05%).

Conclusions

Our experience with the hybrid method has allowed us to constantly reduce the number of patients requiring surgery over the years, as well as the extent of surgical release. These results are encouraging, but larger cohorts of patients from different institutions and with longer follow up are needed to confirm our findings.

Sonoelastographic Findings in Clubfeet

Purpose

One of the main features of congenital idiopathic clubfoot is the increased stiffness of soft tissues. With the growing popularity and availability of sonoelastography as a method to assess the stiffness of different tissues, we considered applying it to congenital clubfeet in order to to determine whether sonoelastography can be a useful imaging method for the evaluation of clubfeet, to assess whether there are any differences in stiffness of specific tendons between clubfeet and normal contralateral feet and to observe which treatment methods have an impact on the aspect of these structures on the elastograms.

Patients and Methods

A case-control study was performed involving 10 adolescent patients with unilateral idiopathic congenital clubfeet who were treated either with the Ponseti method or surgically with posteromedial release (PMR) during early infancy. Using compression sonoelastography, we obtained semi-quantitative data expressed as fat to tendon ratios in treated clubfeet and normal contralateral feet. The tendons of the following muscles were examined: tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, flexor hallucis longus, peroneus longus and Achilles tendon at three levels (calcaneal insertion, lengthened zone and musculotendinous junction).

Results

The only statistically significant difference in the strain ratio (p = 0.023) between clubfeet and normal feet was at the level of the calcaneal insertion of the Achilles tendon, which was stiffer in clubfeet. Although other differences were not statistically significant, they may reflect some of the pathological modifications of clubfeet.

Conclusion

Overall, sonoelastography may be a useful examination tool in the quantitative and qualitative assessment of soft tissue stiffness in clubfeet, but further research is necessary.

Infrared Thermal Imaging for Evaluation of Clubfoot After the Ponseti Casting Method-An Exploratory Study

Background: Conservative treatment, Ponseti method, has been considered as a standard method to correct the clubfoot deformity among Orthopedic society. Although the result of conservative methods have been reported with higher success rates than surgical methods, many more problems have been reported due to improper casting, casting pressure or bracing discomfort. Nowadays, infrared thermography (IRT) is widely used as a diagnostic tool to assess musculoskeletal disorders or injuries by detecting temperature abnormalities. Similarly, the foot skin temperature evaluation can be added along with the current subjective evaluation to predict if there is any casting pressure, excessive manipulation, or overcorrections of the foot, and other bracing pressure-related complications. Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to explore the foot skin temperature changes before and after using of manipulation and weekly castings. Methods: This is an explorative study design. Infrared Thermography (IRT), E33 FLIR thermal imaging camera model, was used to collect the thermal images of the clubfoot before and after casting intervention. A total of 120 thermal images (Medial region of the foot-24, Lateral side of the foot-24, Dorsal side of the foot-24, Plantar side of the foot-24, and Heel area of the foot-24) were collected from the selected regions of the clubfoot. Results: The results of univariate statistical analysis showed that significant temperature changes in some regions of the foot after casting, especially, at the 2nd (M = 32.05°C, SD = 0.77, p = 0.05), 3rd (M = 31.61, SD = 1.11; 95% CI: 31.27-31.96; p = 0.00), and 6th week of evaluation on the lateral side of the foot (M = 31.15°C, SD = 1.59; 95% CI: 30.75-31.54, p = 0.000). There was no significant temperature changes throughout the weekly casting in the medial side of the foot. In the heel side of the foot, significant temperature changes were noticed after the third and fourth weeks of casting. Conclusion: This study found that a decreased foot skin temperature on the dorsal and lateral side of the foot at the 6th week of thermography evaluation. The finding of this study suggest that the infrared thermography (IRT) might be useful as an adjunct assessment tool to evaluate the thermophysiological changes, which can be used to predict the complications caused by improper casting, over manipulative or stretching and casting-pressure related complications.

A Community Audit of 300 "Drop-Out" Instances in Children Undergoing Ponseti Clubfoot Care in Bangladesh-What Do the Parents Say?

Introduction: Drop-out before treatment completion is a vexing problem for all clubfoot clinics. We and others have previously identified better engagement with parents as a crucial method of ameliorating incomplete clubfoot treatment, which increases deformity relapse. Materials and methods: The novel use of community facilitators enabled an audit of over 300 families who had dropped-out from a child’s clubfoot treatment. A questionnaire standardized the parent interviews. Parents were encouraged to present for clinical review of their child’s clubfeet. Results: When treatment was discontinued for six months, 309 families were audited. A social profile of families was developed, showing that most lived in tin houses with one working family member, indicating low affluence. Family issues, brace difficulty, travel distances, and insufficient understanding of ongoing bracing and follow-up were the main reasons for discontinuing treatment. Overt deformity relapse was found in 9% of children, while half of the children recommenced brace use after review. Conclusions: Identifying families at risk of dropping out from clubfoot care enables support to be instigated. Our findings encourage clinicians to empathize with parents of children with clubfoot deformity. The parent load indicator, in parallel with the initial clubfoot severity assessment, may help clinicians to better appreciate the demand that treatment will place on parents, the associated risk of drop-out, and the opportunity to enlist support.

A Surgical Approach to Location-specific Neuropathic Foot Ulceration

The management of pedal ulcerations is often challenging because of a failure to correct underlying biomechanical deformities. Without correcting the biomechanical driving force creating the increased plantar pressures, it is unlikely for routine wound care to provide lasting solutions to pedal ulcerations. Patients with diabetes often experience glycosylation of their tendons, leading to contracture and pursuant deformity, creating imbalanced pressure distributions and eventual plantar ulceration. This article evaluates the efficacy of various lower extremity tendon transfers to balance the foot and redistribute plantar pressures to prevent or heal ulceration.

Posteromedial Release versus Ponseti Treatment of Congenital Idiopathic Clubfoot: A Long-Term Retrospective Follow-Up Study into Adolescence

Purpose

Although many short-term studies have shown the superiority of Ponseti treatment to surgical treatment, studies with long-term follow-up of patients into adolescence are lacking. The aim of this study was to compare the morphological, functional and radiological results of the two methods into and during adolescent age, when both soft tissue and bony procedures can be performed to correct residual deformities.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively evaluated two groups of patients diagnosed with congenital idiopathic clubfoot and treated with either the Ponseti method (34 clubfeet) and surgery in the form of posteromedial release (31 clubfeet). All included clubfeet were clinically fully corrected after initial treatment and final plaster removal. Evaluation was performed with the International Clubfoot Study Group (ICFSG) score.

Results

The age at follow-up was 12.8±1.6 years in the Ponseti group and 13.5±1.7 years in the surgical group. Excellent or good results were obtained in 26 feet (76%) of the Ponseti group and in 14 feet (45%) in the surgical group. The Ponseti treatment was significantly superior to posteromedial release in terms of the final score (10.58±6.49 versus 17.26±8.83, p<0.001), functional score (p<0.001) and radiological score (p<0.001). Residual deformities were clinically present in both groups but were less frequent and less severe in Ponseti-treated patients. Flat-top talus was found to be present in both groups, but the Ponseti method was more protective than surgical treatment against this outcome (relative risk=0.494, p=0.002). The overall foot and ankle mobility was significantly better in the Ponseti group (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The Ponseti method was superior to surgery for treatment of clubfoot and achieved better long-term morphological, functional and radiological results. It preserves better mobility of the foot and ankle, and results in less frequent and less severe residual deformities than surgical treatment.

Cornelia de Lange syndrome: A rare case, presented with unilateral pes equinovarus

Cornelia de Lange syndrome is a genetic disorder with multiple system abnormalities. It is especially characterized by typical facial appearance and hirsutism. Growth and mental retardation, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and orthopedic abnormalities are other important features of this syndrome. In this case, we present a rare manifestation of Cornelia de Lange syndrome with a unilateral pes equinovarus deformity without other more specific orthopedic manifestations. Ponseti method's was applied as the initial procedure. Afterwards, complete subtalar release was performed. After four years follow-up, clinical and radiological results were satisfactory. Unilateral pes equinovarus deformity may be a part of this syndrome as well as a sporadic presentation. The discrimination is important for anesthetic procedures and surgical outcomes.

Acute Rupture of Achilles Tendon in an Adolescent with a History of Ponseti Casting and Achilles Tenotomy: A Case Report

CASE

We present the case of a 15-year-old girl who has a history of Ponseti casting followed by Achilles tenotomies for congenital clubfeet as an infant and subsequently suffered an acute traumatic midsubstance Achilles tendon rupture on the left and midsubstance Achilles tendinosis on the right.

CONCLUSIONS

Traumatic pediatric Achilles ruptures are rare. There are no prior reported cases in patients with a history of Achilles tenotomy, despite it being a described potential complication. This case highlights the potential for an Achilles rupture years after tenotomy and presents surgical repair as a satisfactory treatment option for Achilles ruptures in adolescents.

Evaluation of a simple tool to assess the results of Ponseti treatment for use by clubfoot therapists: a diagnostic accuracy study

Background

We aimed to develop and evaluate a tool for clubfoot therapists in low resource settings to assess the results of Ponseti treatment of congenital talipes equinovarus, or clubfoot, in children of walking age.

Method

A literature review and a Delphi process based on the opinions of 35 Ponseti trainers in Africa were used to develop the Assessing Clubfoot Treatment (ACT) tool and score. We followed up children with clubfoot from a cohort treated between 2011 and 2013, in 2017. A full clinical assessment was conducted to decide if treatment was successful or if further treatment was required. The ACT score was then calculated for each child. Inter-observer variation for the ACT tool was assessed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated for the ACT score compared to full clinical assessment (gold standard). Predictors of a successful outcome were explored.

Results

The follow up rate was 31.2% (68 children). The ACT tool consisted of 4 questions; each scored from 0 to 3, giving a total from 0 to 12 where 12 is the ideal result. The 4 questions included one physical assessment and three parent reported outcome measures. It took 5 min to administer and had excellent inter-observer agreement.

An ACT score of 8 or less demonstrated 79% sensitivity and 100% specificity in identifying children that required further intervention, with a positive predictive value of 100% and negative predictive value of 90%. Children who completed two or more years of bracing were four times more likely to achieve an ACT score of 9 or more compared to those who did not (OR: 4.08, 95% CI: 1.31–12.65, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

The ACT tool is simple to administer, had excellent observer agreement, and good sensitivity and specificity in identifying children who need further intervention. The score can be used to identify those children who definitely need referral and further treatment (score 8 or less) and those with a definite successful outcome (score 11 or more), however further discrimination is needed to decide how to manage children with a borderline ACT score of 9 or 10.

Level of evidence

Level II, Diagnostic Study.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13047-019-0323-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Extended Ponseti method for failed tenotomy in idiopathic clubfeet: a pilot study

We evaluated the outcome of a new protocol of an extended Ponseti method in the management of idiopathic club foot with residual equinus following failed Achilles tenotomy. We also compared the failed with a successful tenotomy group to analyze the parameters for failure. The Ponseti technique-treated idiopathic club foot patients with failed percutaneous Achilles tenotomy (failure to achieve <15° dorsiflexion) were treated by continued stretching casts, with a weekly change for a further 3 weeks. Final dorsiflexion more than 15° if achieved with the above protocol was recorded as a success. Twenty-six (16%) patients with failed Achilles tenotomy and residual equinus out of a total of 161 patients with primary idiopathic club foot were tested with the protocol. Ten (38.5%) failed patients had bilateral foot involvement and 16 (61.5%) had unilateral foot involvement. A total of seven (26.9%) patients achieved the end point dorsiflexion of more than 15° in one further cast, 10 (38.5%) in two casts, and four (15.4%) in three casts, respectively. Overall success of the extended Ponseti protocol was achieved in 21/26 (80.8%) patients. The patient's age, precasting initial Pirani score, number of Ponseti casts, pretenotomy Pirani score, and pretenotomy ankle joint dorsiflexion were statistically different in the failed compared with the successful tenotomy group. The tested extended Ponseti protocol showed a success rate of 80.8% in salvaging failed tenotomy cases. The failed tenotomy group was relatively older at presentation, had high precasting and pretenotomy Pirani scores, received extra number of Ponseti casts, and less pretenotomy ankle joint dorsiflexion compared with successful feet.

Casting Is Effective for Recurrence Following Ponseti Treatment of Clubfoot

BACKGROUND

Up to 40% of patients with idiopathic clubfoot who are treated with the Ponseti method experience recurrence of deformity. Many of these patients receive surgery (e.g., anterior tibial tendon transfer). An alternative approach for recurrent clubfoot is repeat Ponseti casting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of repeat Ponseti casting in the treatment of recurrent clubfoot.

METHODS

Patients with recurrent idiopathic clubfoot who were treated at our hospital, between 2004 and 2012, with repeat serial casting and bracing (the recurrent group) were eligible for inclusion in the study. The recurrent group and a control group of randomly selected patients seen during the same period who had not had recurrence were compared with respect to demographic data, age at the time of treatment, number of casts, subsequent surgical intervention(s), and the Disease-Specific Instrument (DSI) clubfoot scale. Patients were deemed to have a successful outcome if they had a well-corrected foot (defined as dorsiflexion of ≥10°, hindfoot in valgus, and a straight lateral border) at the time of follow-up.

RESULTS

Of a total of 71 eligible patients with clubfeet, 35 patients participated. At the time of follow-up, success rates were 74% for the recurrent group and 83% for the control group. Dorsiflexion past neutral was significantly higher in the control group than the patient group (20° versus 12°, respectively; p < 0.001). Ninety-five percent of the control subjects had a straight lateral border in comparison with 78% in the recurrent group (p = 0.004). Likewise, 97% of controls had the hindfoot in valgus in comparison with 80% of the recurrent group (p = 0.02). There was a significant difference in the ability to squat (76% in the control group and 43% in the recurrent group; p = 0.03). There was no difference between groups in the total outcome of the DSI.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrence was seen in 19% (71) of 382 children who were eligible for our study who were typically discharged after the age of 5 years from our clinic, indicating the importance of continued follow-up until after that age. Treatment with casting was successful in many patients and may be a reasonable choice for recurrent idiopathic clubfeet.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The hybrid method for the treatment of congenital talipes equinovarus: preliminary results on 92 consecutive feet

Over the past 4 years, our pediatric orthopedic unit has developed a new hybrid protocol combining the advantages of Ponseti's method and the French functional physiotherapy method. Sixty-one patients (92 feet) completed treatment. Clubfoot was unilateral in 30 (49.2%) patients and bilateral in 31 (50.8%) patients. The mean Dimeglio score at the start of treatment was 13.5/20 (range: 6/20-19/20). All patients had clinical and radiographic follow-up for at least 2 years (range: 2-4 years). If orthopedic treatment was ineffective and feet showed no improvement, further surgery was performed. Posterior release was performed in eight (8.7%) feet. Clinical evaluation at the last follow-up found a mean dorsal flexion of 20°±5° (range: 5°-35°). The hybrid method is a combination approach applying the strengths of Ponseti's method, that is, serial casting, and the French physiotherapy method, that is, manipulations and radiographs, to achieve long-term correction with a foot that is fully functional and pain free.

Early application of the Ponseti casting technique for clubfoot correction in sick infants at the neonatal intensive care unit

The treatment of congenital clubfoot has been changing rapidly since the mid-1990s with the worldwide use of the Ponseti method for serial casting and limited operative interventions. This method was first applied for isolated clubfeet and later on for other types of clubfoot (teratologic, residual, and neurogenic). Premature babies sustaining clubfoot commonly suffer from additional congenital and acquired medical problems. These may postpone clubfoot management until urgent issues are resolved. The current study describes early initiation of treatment of clubfoot in premature babies at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and their outcomes. The study group included all babies diagnosed with clubfoot and managed in the NICU (for any etiology) between 2006 and 2012. Management was based on the Ponseti protocol for serial casting. We also report on neonates who died in the NICU before or during treatment. We specifically describe adverse events of early casting and situations necessitating removal of casts or termination of treatment. We diagnosed and treated 20 neonates with clubfoot (four females and 16 males, 10 bilateral cases). Gestational age ranged from 27 weeks to term. Eight were identified with clubfoot by prenatal sonographic survey and 10 were diagnosed with a defined syndrome. Seven had respiratory support, including one with a chest drain (50%). Length of stay in the NICU ranged from 3 to 90 days. Four neonates died while in the NICU (all syndromatic). In the remaining 16 cases, treatment began as early as medically possible. The first cast was applied within the first week of life in 14 cases. A total of 75 casts were applied during the study period. Three casts (4%) were removed because of leg edema or a need for venous access. Casts were routinely replaced every 4-7 days. Achilles tenotomies were performed in the NICU for babies achieving satisfactory correction. At last follow-up, 10 children were independent walkers and six were nonambulatory; all showed successful correction of clubfeet. The results of this study show that in most cases, clubfoot treatment is feasible and effective within the first week of life. Instances necessitating immediate cast removal are highlighted. Although while facing acute life-threatening medical problems, the treatment of clubfoot may not be considered a priority, most neonates will grow up into independent individuals; thus, every effort should be made to initiate the best clubfoot management with minimal delay.

Results of clubfoot treatment after manipulation and casting using the Ponseti method: experience in Harare, Zimbabwe

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the Ponseti manipulation and casting method for clubfoot in a tertiary hospital in Zimbabwe and explore predictors of these outcomes.

METHODS

A cohort study included children with idiopathic clubfoot managed from 2011 to 2013 at Parirenyatwa Hospital. Demographic data, clinical features and treatment outcomes were extracted from clinic records. The primary outcome measure was the final Pirani score (clubfoot severity measure) after manipulation and casting. Secondary outcomes included change in Pirani score (pre-treatment to end of casting), number of casts for correction, proportion receiving tenotomy and proportion lost to follow up.

RESULTS

A total of 218 children (337 feet) were eligible for inclusion. The median age at treatment was 8 months; 173 children (268 feet) completed casting treatment within the study period. The mean length of time for corrective treatment was 10.2 weeks (9.5-10.9 weeks). Of the 45 children who did not complete treatment, 28 were under treatment and 17 were lost to follow up. A Pirani score of 1 or less was achieved in 85% of feet. Mean Pirani score at presentation was 3.80 (SD 1.15) and post-treatment 0.80 (SD 0.56, P-value <0.0001). Severity of deformity and being male were associated with a higher (worse) final Pirani score. Severity and age over two were associated with an increase in the number of casts required to correct deformity.

CONCLUSION

This case series demonstrates that the majority (80%+) of children with clubfoot can achieve a good outcome with the Ponseti manipulation and casting method.

Tibialis Anterior Tendon Transfer

Tendon transfer procedures are used commonly for the correction of soft tissue imbalances and instabilities. The complete transfer and the split transfer of the tibialis anterior tendon are well-accepted methods for the treatment of idiopathic equinovarus deformity in children and adults. Throughout the literature, complete and split transfer have been shown to yield significant improvements in ankle and foot range of motion and muscle function. At present, there is insufficient evidence to recommend one procedure over the other, although the split procedure has been advocated for consistently achieving inversion to eversion muscle balance without overcorrection.

Factors predictive of second recurrence in clubfeet treated by ponseti casting

BACKGROUND

Ponseti serial casting is the most commonly used method in North America to treat children with clubfeet. Despite initial correction, recurrence is common. tibialis anterior tendon transfer (TATT) is commonly used to treat recurrent clubfeet. Recurrence can occur after TATT, and patients at risk of recurrence may benefit from closer monitoring. We studied the rate of second recurrence (recurrence after TATT) and studied the predictive factors for this recurrence.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of patients who have undergone TATT for recurrent clubfeet between 2002 and 2010 at our institution was performed. Recurrence was defined as recurrence of any elements of the clubfoot deformity that requires operative or nonoperative treatment. Effect of age at the time of TATT, initial severity of the deformity, and family history of clubfoot on rate of recurrence was studied.

RESULTS

Sixty patients with 85 clubfeet were included in the study. Sixteen feet in 12 patients (20%) developed recurrence after TATT. Eight feet were treated nonoperatively and the rest (8 feet) required surgical procedure. Young age at time of TATT and brace noncompliance significantly increased the rate of second recurrence. Effect of severity of initial deformity and family history did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Second recurrence can happen in around one fifth of patients with clubfeet after TATT. Patients with young age at TATT and patients with brace noncompliance are at an increased risk of recurrence and should be monitored closely.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II-prognostic.

Treatment of persistent forefoot adduction during ponseti method in treatment of idiopathic talipes equinovarus by minimal soft release

INTRODUCTION

Abductor hallucies tenotomy sometimes necessary in treatment of clubfoot.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty children (45 feet) of one day old up to six months presented with idiopathic clubfoot. Patients were treated using the technique of Ponseti combined by abductor hallucies tenotomy after serial casting.

RESULTS

At a mean follow up period of 16.7 months, 43/45 feet were good (95%), 2/45 feet were bad (5%). The mean Pirani score at the final follow up was 1.05.

CONCLUSION

Abductor hallucies tenotomy shortens the duration of casts, decrease the cost and risk of leg atrophy.

The Heel Pad in Congenital Idiopathic Clubfoot: Implications of Empty Heel for Clinical Severity Assessment

BACKGROUND

Clubfoot has been evaluated in many ways, including the most common classifications of clubfoot, described by Caterrall and Piraniis based on six clinical signs. The purpose of this study was to gain better understanding of the heel pad in relation to the term "empty heel", and to propose modification of clubfoot severity scoring system based on "empty heel".

METHODS

A combination of prospective study of 79 clubfoot patients treated with Ponseti method and literature review of heel pad anatomy and biomechanics. The setting was a university teaching hospital. The ethical research committee approved study protocol and informed consent of patients' parent obtained. The selection criteria included patients' diagnosed congenital idiopathic clubfoot, age < 2 years, no history of previous treatment and tenotomy indicated. An evaluation of patient was assessed by orthopaedic surgeons trained on Ponseti method and has above 5 years experience. Data analysis performed on the age, sex, Pirani scores at onset of treatment, tenotomy, and 6 month after initial full correction.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-two clubfeet in 79 patients (56 males, 23 females) completed Ponseti protocol. The median age at presentation was 5.2 months (range 0.1-23.7 months). The mean right foot abduction after correction 57.30 (S.D. 9.20), and for the left foot, was 56.30 (S.D. 9.40). The mean right foot dorsiflexion was -13.70 (S.D. 18.40) before correction while after correction, it was 20.00 (S.D. 4.50) and for the left, the mean was -8.50 (S.D. 9.60) before correction and 21.00 (S.D. 4.30) after correction. Eighteen (22.8%) patients (10 bilateral, 9 unilateral) had clubfeet with empty heel score above zero point at initial full correction (p<0.001). Clinic anatomy shows the heel pad is a solid complex structure existing in normal, moderate and severe atrophied form. Heel pad is attached tightly to calcaneus without a cavity for the calcaneus to drop.

CONCLUSIONS

Heel pad probably could replace "empty heel" in modify Pirani scoring system. Clinical indication for repeat tenotomy should be based on equinus, not on the feeling of an empty heel, and families can be advised that the heel pad has a tendency to remodel over time to a normal shape.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Empty heel feeling at initial full correction of congenital idiopathic clubfoot based on Ponseti protocol is not indication for repeat tenotomy.

The posterior to anterior controlled technique of percutaneous Achilles tenotomy in the correction of idiopathic clubfoot: a technical report

Percutaneous tenotomy of the Achilles tendon is an integral part of the Ponseti technique of clubfoot correction. Although originally described by Ponseti as an office procedure that was performed under local anaesthesia, serious neurovascular complications that include iatrogenic injury to the lesser saphenous vein, the posterior tibial neurovascular bundle, the sural artery and pseudoaneurysm formation have been reported. We describe a new tenotomy technique, the posterior to anterior controlled technique, that may decrease the possibility of neurovascular damage, does not require exposure of the Achilles tendon and can be performed as an office procedure under local anaesthesia.

Gastrocsoleus fascial release for correction of equinus deformity in residual or relapsed clubfoot

BACKGROUND

Regardless of the mode of treatment, clubfoot has a strong tendency to relapse, especially hindfoot equinus. Because contraction or shortening of the Achilles tendon causes an equinus deformity of the ankle, release of this tendon is required to correct equinus deformity in patients with residual or relapsed clubfoot. This study assessed the effectiveness of the Vulpius technique in correcting equinus deformity in patients with residual or relapsed clubfoot.

METHODS

Of the 80 idiopathic clubfeet treated conservatively using the Ponseti protocol, between March 2000 and July 2008, 32 were found to have residual or relapsed equinus deformity, with 22 feet in 17 patients undergoing Vulpius-type Achilles tendon lengthening. Mean age at the time of surgery was 29 (range, 6 to 52) months, and mean follow-up was 48 (range, 24 to 78) months. Clinical evaluation included the dorsiflexion angle of the ankle and radiographic evaluation included the talocalcaneal and tibiocalcaneal angles on dorsiflexion lateral views.

RESULTS

All 22 feet showed satisfactory results at last follow-up, with significant improvements in mean ankle dorsiflexion angle, mean tibiocalcaneal angle, and mean lateral talocalcaneal angle (p < .05 each).

CONCLUSION

The Vulpius procedure is an effective surgical procedure for correcting equinus deformity in residual and relapsed clubfeet.

Real time evaluation of monolateral clubfoot with sonoelastography. Preliminary results

PURPOSE

to assess the real time elastosonography (RTE) as a primary diagnostic tool for the evaluation of mechanical properties of Achilles tendons in patients affected by not surgically treated monolateral clubfoot.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

six patients were evaluated, four males and two females, mean age 1.2 ± 1.3 months, treated with Ponseti method, and afterward, they underwent RTE examination of the Achilles tendon in club-foot. A following ROI (region of interest) was positioned on the distal third of the tendon and the obtained data was examined retrospectively.

RESULTS

in the examined cohort of patients, the mean value ROI 1/mean value ROI 2 ratio was 2.0 ± 0.18, with an increased red area in the RTE evaluation of the affected tendon, while in the contralateral foot the mean observed value was 2.50 ± 2.1.

CONCLUSION

RTE is a feasible and simple technique, which allows the study of the mechanical properties of Achilles tendons in children with clubfoot.

Early results of treatment for congenital clubfoot using the Ponseti method

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the early results of the Ponseti method in reducing extensive corrective surgery rates for congenital idiopathic clubfoot in patients treated in Children’s Orthopaedic Clinic and Rehabilitation Department Medical University of Lublin between the years 2007–2011. Thirty-five patients with 47 idiopathic clubfeet were followed prospectively while being managed with the Ponseti method. Clubfoot severity was graded with use of the Dimeglio system. The initial correction was achieved, and early results were measured by using Pirani scoring method.

Orthosis noncompliance after the Ponseti method for the treatment of idiopathic clubfeet: a relevant problem that needs reevaluation

INTRODUCTION

Idiopathic talipes equinovarus is the most common congenital defect characterized by the presence of a congenital dysplasia of all musculoskeletal tissues distal to the knee. For many years, the treatment has been based on extensive surgery after manipulation and cast trial. Owing to poor surgical results, Ponseti developed a new treatment protocol consisting of manipulation with cast and an Achilles tenotomy. The new technique requires 4 years of orthotic management to guarantee good results. The most recent studies have emphasized how difficult it is to comply with the orthotic posttreatment protocol. Poor compliance has been attributed to parent's low educational and low income level. The purpose of the study is to evaluate if poor compliance is due to the complexity of the orthotic use or if it is related to family education, cultural, or income factors.

METHOD

Fifty-three patients with 73 idiopathic talipes equinovarus feet were treated with the Ponseti technique and followed for 48 months after completing the cast treatment. There was a male predominance (72%). The mean age at presentation was 1 month (range: 1 wk to 7 mo). Twenty patients (38%) had bilateral involvement, 17 patients (32%) had right side affected, and 16 patients (30%) had the left side involved. The mean time of manipulation and casting treatment was 6 weeks (range: 4 to 10 wk). Thirty-eight patients (72%) required Achilles tenotomy as stipulated by the protocol. Recurrence was considered if there was a deterioration of the Dimeglio severity score requiring remanipulation and casting.

RESULTS

Twenty-four out of 73 feet treated by our service showed the evidence of recurrence (33%). Sex, age at presentation, cast treatment duration, unilateral or bilateral, severity score, the necessity of Achilles tenotomy, family educational, or income level did not reveal any significant correlation with the recurrence risk. Noncompliance with the orthotic use showed a significant correlation with the recurrence rate. The noncompliance rate did not show any correlation with the patient demographic data or parent's education level, insurance, or cultural factors as proposed previously.

CONCLUSION

The use of the brace is extremely relevant with the Ponseti technique outcome (recurrence) in the treatment of idiopathic talipes equinovarus. Noncompliance is not related to family education, cultural, or income level. The Ponseti postcasting orthotic protocol needs to be reevaluated to a less demanding option to improve outcome and brace compliance.