Anthropometry of Proximal Tibia in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Replacement at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Introduction Total knee arthroplasty is the standard of care treatment for advanced knee osteoarthritis. However, patients frequently continue to have pain and disability after surgery, with one of the most common reasons being a bone-implant mismatch. Notably, there is a significant difference reported in proximal tibia morphometry between Asian and Caucasian populations, and the currently available implants do not account for the anthropometric variations observed across ethnicities. We aimed to evaluate the proximal tibia anthropometry in a Pakistani population. Materials and methods A study was conducted at The Indus Hospital, Karachi Campus, from August 2019 to July 2020. All consecutive patients fulfilling the eligibility criteria and undergoing knee replacement surgery were included in the study. Baseline characteristics and anthropometry of proximal tibia were recorded on a pre-designed proforma. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 24. Results  A total of 30 patients were enrolled in this study, which included 17 females (56.7%) and 13 males (43.3%). The mean age was 61.6± 7.9 years and the BMI was 33±5.7 kg/m2. There was a significant difference found in the anteroposterior and mediolateral dimensions in both genders. A significant association was noted with body mass index (p-value 0.01) and occupation (p-value=0.02). Conclusion The results indicated that the anatomical profile of the proximal tibia in the Pakistani population is distinct, thus stressing the fact that it requires developing prostheses specifically tailored to this population's sizing requirements.

Survey of awareness and attitudes to the management of fragility fractures among the membership of the Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association.

A survey of awareness and attitudes to the management of fragility fractures among the membership of the Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association conducted in 2022 found considerable variation in care across the region. A Call to Action is proposed to improve acute care, rehabilitation and secondary fracture prevention across Asia Pacific. PURPOSE: Fragility fractures impose a substantial burden on older people and their families, healthcare systems and national economies. The current incidence of hip and other fragility fractures across the Asia Pacific region is enormous and set to escalate rapidly in the coming decades. This publication describes findings of a survey of awareness and attitudes to the management of fragility fractures among the membership of the Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association (APOA) conducted in 2022. METHODS: The survey was developed as a collaboration between the Asia Pacific Osteoporosis and Fragility Fracture Society and the Asia Pacific Fragility Fracture Alliance, and included questions relating to aspects of care upon presentation, during surgery and mobilisation, secondary fracture prevention, and access to specific services. RESULTS: In total, 521 APOA members completed the survey and marked variation in delivery of care was evident. Notable findings included: Fifty-nine percent of respondents indicated that analgesia was routinely initiated in transit (by paramedics) or within 30 minutes of arrival in the Emergency Department. One-quarter of respondents stated that more than 80% of their patients underwent surgery within 48 hours of admission. One-third of respondents considered non-hip, non-vertebral fractures to merit assessment of future fracture risk. One-third of respondents reported the presence of an Orthogeriatric Service in their hospital, and less than a quarter reported the presence of a Fracture Liaison Service. CONCLUSION: A Call to Action for all National Orthopaedic Associations affiliated with APOA is proposed to improve the care of fragility fracture patients across the region.

A single-center, single-blinded, randomized, parallel-group, non-inferiority trial to compare the efficacy of a 22-gauge needle versus a 15 blade to perform an Achilles tendon tenotomy in 244 clubfeet-study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendon tenotomy is an integral part of the Ponseti method, aimed at correcting residual equinus and lack of dorsiflexion after correction of the adductus deformity in clubfoot. Percutaneous tenotomy using a number 15 scalpel blade is considered the gold standard, resulting in excellent results with minimal complications. The use of a large-bore needle to perform Achilles tendon tenotomies has been described in literature, but a large-scale randomized controlled trial is currently lacking. In this trial, we aim to show the non-inferiority of the needle tenotomy technique compared to the gold standard blade tenotomy technique. METHODS: We will randomize 244 feet into group A: needle tenotomy or group B: blade tenotomy. Randomization will be done using a block randomization with random block sizes and applying a 1:1 allocation to achieve an intervention and control group of the exact same size. Children will be evaluated at 3 weeks and 3 months post-tenotomy for primary and secondary clinical outcomes. The primary clinical outcome will be the range of dorsiflexion obtained the secondary clinical outcomes will be frequency of minor and major complications and Pirani score. The non-inferiority margin was set at 4°, and thus, the null hypothesis of inferiority of the needle technique will be rejected if the mean difference between both techniques is less than 4°. The statistical analysis will use a multi-level mixed effects linear regression model for the primary outcomes and a multi-level mixed effects logistic regression model for the secondary clinical outcomes. The physician performing the evaluations post-tenotomy will be the only one blinded to group allocation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered prospectively with ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT04897100 on 21 May 2021.

Percutaneous Achilles tendon tenotomy in clubfoot patients with a 22 gauge needle in a low-resource setting.

Ponseti treatment has been well-established as the gold standard for the treatment of idiopathic clubfoot in high-income countries and middle- and low-income countries (LMICs). The tenotomy is usually performed in the clinic using a scalpel blade under local anesthesia. However, we believe that by adapting the technique from Minkowitz et al. to a low-resource setting, we can help address some of the known barriers to Ponseti care. Using a needle instead of a blade makes the procedure less cumbersome easier to learn and easier to understand for the provider, family and the patient. We were able show that the needle tenotomy technique can be implemented in a low-resource setting like Pakistan, and can be performed using only one assistant and materials that are locally and readily available for the same cost This paper and its attached educational videos can help spread the technique among providers in low-resource settings.

Eight-year Review of a Clubfoot Treatment Program in Pakistan With Assessment of Outcomes Using the Ponseti Technique: A Retrospective Study of 988 Patients (1,458 Clubfeet) Aged 0 to 5 Years at Enrollment.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct an 8-year retrospective review of a clubfoot treatment program using the Ponseti technique with close monitoring of outcomes. METHODS: Between October 2011 and August 2019, 988 children with 1,458 idiopathic clubfeet were enrolled, ages ranging from new born up to 5 years. Ponseti treatment was used, and progress was monitored by comparing mean Pirani scores at enrollment (P1), initiation of bracing (P2), and end of treatment (P3) or most recent visit (P4) for children under treatment. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction in Pirani scores was noted (P < 0.001) for all feet. For 320 feet completing treatment (213 children), the mean Pirani scores reduced from P1: 3.8 (±1.1) to P2: 1.1 (±0.6) and finally to P3: 0.6 (±0.3). Four hundred sixteen children are currently undergoing bracing. Higher education of the head of household and male sex of the child were markedly associated with improved outcomes in foot correction status. Correction was obtained with a mean of 5.8 casts per foot, the tenotomy rate was 68.2%, and the mean duration of bracing in children completing treatment was 3.6 years (±0.9). No surgical correction, other than tenotomy, was required. Relapse was noted in 12.1% of the total enrolled feet, and 32.0% children were lost to follow-up from the entire cohort of 988 children. CONCLUSION: Clubfoot treatment requires long-term follow-up. A dedicated clubfoot program is effective in maintaining continuity of care by encouraging adherence to treatment.

Serum Vitamin D Levels in Patients With Distal Radius Fractures Presenting to a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Objective To compare the frequency of serum vitamin D levels in patients with and without distal radius fracture. Introduction Hypovitaminosis D is a common problem worldwide. Deficiency of vitamin D is not only associated with musculoskeletal problems, but also with chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Vitamin D deficiency results in bone pain, aggravating osteoporosis and fragility fractures. Distal radius fractures are common upper limb fractures, mostly in the elderly population. Low serum levels of vitamin D have been reported to result in increased risk of distal radius fracture. Methodology This study was conducted at The Indus Hospital Karachi, from 1st March 2020 to 31st August 2020. Consecutive non-probability sampling was done. Patients aged between 20 to 80 years with and without distal radius fractures were enrolled and serum vitamin D levels were compared. Results A total of 130 patients were enrolled in this study, out of which 70 (53.8%) were males. The median (IQR) vitamin D, calcium, alkaline phosphate level, and albumin was 14.8 (9.5-23) ng/ml, 9.2 (8.9-9.5) ng/ml, 91 (77.3-111) U/L, and 4.2 (4-4.5) g/dl, respectively. No significant association between distal radius fracture and vitamin D levels was found in males, whereas a significantly higher proportion of females with no fracture had a mild-moderate deficiency in comparison to females with fracture. Conclusion No significant association was noted between patients with and without distal radius fracture and vitamin D levels, however, we recommend more studies on this topic so that more comprehensive results can be obtained.

Inter-observer variation of the Schatzker and Khan classification of Tibial plateau fractures: Cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the inter-observer reliability of Shatzker classification and Khan Classification of Tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at The Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Radiographs of 50 patients who presented with tibial plateau fractures from March 2015 to November 2016 were collected. Two observers classified these cases independently according to Shatzker and Khan Classification. Gwet's AC1 statistics applied to assess inter-observer reliability of both the classification systems. RESULTS: Moderate inter-observer agreement for Schatzker classification (p<0.001) and slight inter-observer agreement on Khan Classification (p=0.738) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Khan Classification is more comprehensive in classifying tibial plateau fractures and can be used for clinical research purpose, while Shatzker classification with better inter-observer reliability is applicable for routine clinical practice.

Flat Top Talus: Complication of Ponseti Method or Overcorrection?

Purpose Deformation of talus in idiopathic clubfoot is a common problem both surgically and after treatment with the Ponseti technique, although the cause of deformation and its clinical impact on the function of the ankle is not yet known. The goal of this research was to evaluate factors leading to talar dome deformation (flat-top talus) after the Ponseti technique Methods This was a single-center, cross-sectional study. Fifty patients with virgin idiopathic clubfoot were enrolled from our consecutive series of data from August 2017 to January 2018 from our clubfoot patients who completed their casting and bracing protocol. Weight-bearing lateral X-rays of the ankle were examined in patients to determine the flattening of the talus dome and its correlation with age, sex, BMI, number of casts, and casting period. In these patients, the frequency of tenotomy and its relationship to the flat top talus was also examined. Results The study included a total of 50 children, of which 36 (72%) were boys and 14 (28%) were girls. The mean age, height, weight, and BMI of the children were 5.06 ± 0.79 years, 101.6 ± 6.34 cm, and 19.7 ± 1.57 kg, respectively. No significant difference between the normal and flat top talus category was found in age and BMI (p=0.611 and 0.997, respectively). Whereas, relative to normal children, the children who had flat-top talus were on casts for a longer period of time (median: 9 vs. 6 weeks, p=0.026). In addition, a higher proportion of children with more than six casts developed flat-top talus than those with fewer than six casts (69.2% vs. 30.8%, p=0.005). After treatment, a total of 13 (26%) patients developed flat top talus, of which 11 (84.6%) were boys and two (15.4%) were girls (p=0.303). No substantial association between tenotomy and flat top talus (p=0.340) could be identified. Conclusion Flat top talus is a complication of improper manipulation specifically correlated with the number of Ponseti casts applied. Maintenance of cast treatment for more than three months may result in flat-top talus with no significant association with tenotomy of the tendoachilles.

Nottingham Hip Fracture Score as a predictor of 3 months postoperative mortality in patients undergoing surgical fixation of hip fractures: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Nottingham Hip Fracture Score was utilized to evaluate its efficacy to identify high risk pateints interms of 3 months postoperative mortality.NHFS comprises of seven independent predictors that were incorporated into a risk score to identify patients who were high risk for post-operative mortality with hip fracture.. METHODS: NHFS was prospectively calculated for 88 patients who underwent surgeries for hip fracture from 25th December 2014 to 25th June 2015 at the Indus Hospital Karachi. Both neck of femur and Intertrochanteric fracture were included. NHFS of ≤4 was considered as low risk and a score of ≥5 as high risk for mortality. RESULTS: The 3 months post-operative mortality was 22%. Increase in number of mortality was observed in patients who belonged to the high risk (NHFS ≥5) group, with statistically significant relationship when compared with the low risk (NHFS ≤4) group (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: NHFS can be used to predict the risk of 3 months postoperative mortality in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Frequency of Vertebral Fractures in Patients presenting with Hip Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of vertebral fractures in patients presenting with hip fractures. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted at The Indus Hospital, Karachi, from May 2018 to November 2018. All patients above 40 years presenting with hip fractures were enrolled and a dorsal lumbar lateral view radiograph was obtained to investigate for vertebral fractures. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS. Post-stratification, Chi-square/Fisher exact test was applied as appropriate to assess the significant association. P value of ≤0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty five patients were enrolled. Of these, 189 (56.4%) were females and 165 (49.3%) presented with neck of femur fractures. Out of 335 hip fractures patients, 77 (23%) were found to have concomitant vertebral fractures, with 73 (96.1%) having a compression fracture. T12 was the most common vertebra involved and 68.8% of patients were asymptomatic. Co-morbid conditions were statistically significantly associated with vertebral fractures. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of asymptomatic vertebral fractures in our population, but low compared to studies from western countries. There is a need to evaluate these fractures separately for the prevention of morbidity and mortality.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis after treatment of femoral neck fracture.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in children after treatment of femoral neck fracture is a very rare condition. This complication should be recognized promptly and treated urgently. The risk of development of this complication can be minimized by anatomical reduction of the fracture and stable internal fixation of the fracture. Five years old male child sustained right sided femur neck fracture and was treated with closed reduction and Hip spica cast application. The fracture healed with a varus deformity. After 7 months, he developed slip of femoral epiphysis with a coxa vara deformity of proximal femur, which was treated with in situ fixation with Cannulated screws. His subsequent course remained uneventful up to five months. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) after treatment of femoral neck fracture in children is a rare complication that should be recognized and treated promptly. The onset of SCFE may show inadequate reduction or fixation of the fracture. Anatomic reduction and stable internal fixation for femoral neck fracture in children provides best outcomes. Postoperative care and delayed weight bearing are also equally important to avoid complications.

Musculoskeletal Infection in Pediatrics: Assessment of the 2018 International Consensus Meeting on Musculoskeletal Infection.

The Second International Consensus Meeting (ICM) on Musculoskeletal Infection was held in July 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This meeting involved contributions from an international multidisciplinary consortium of experts from orthopaedic surgery, infectious disease, pharmacology, rheumatology, microbiology, and others. Through strict delegate engagement in a comprehensive 13-step consensus process based on the Delphi technique, evidence-based consensus guidelines on musculoskeletal infection were developed. The 2018 ICM produced updates to recommendations from the inaugural ICM that was held in 2013, which primarily focused on periprosthetic infection of the hip and the knee, and added new guidelines with the expansion to encompass all subspecialties of orthopaedic surgery. The following proceedings from the pediatrics section are an overview of the ICM consensus recommendations on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric musculoskeletal infection.

Time-driven activity-based costing of total knee replacements in Karachi, Pakistan.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis of the knee has been identified as the most common disability in Pakistan. Total knee replacement (TKR) surgery is the curative treatment for advanced osteoarthritis of the knee; however, cost remains one of the barriers to effective and timely service delivery. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) analysis of TKR to identify major cost drivers and areas for process improvement. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We performed a prospective TDABC analysis of patients who underwent bilateral TKR at The Indus Hospital (TIH) during a 14-month period from October 2015 to December 2016. Detailed process maps were developed for each phase of the care cycle. Time durations and costs were allocated to each resource utilised and aggregated across the care cycle, including personnel, direct and indirect costs. RESULTS: We identified seven care phases for a complete TKR care cycle and created their detailed process maps. Major time contributors were ward stay and discharge (20 160 min), TKR surgery (563 min) and surgical admission (333 min). Overall, 92.10% of time is spent during the ward stay and discharge phase of care. Patients remain hospitalised for an average of 14 days postoperatively. Overall institutional cost of a TKR at TIH was US$4360.51 (Pakistani rupees 456 981.17) per bilateral TKR surgery. The overall primary cost drivers for the full bundle of care were consumables used during TKR surgery itself, consumables utilised in the wards and personnel costs contributing 57.64%, 27.45% and 12.03% of total costs, respectively. CONCLUSION: Utilising TDABC allowed us to obtain a granular analysis of time and cost that was subsequently used to inform quality process improvement initiatives. In low-resource settings, such as Pakistan, TDABC has the potential to be a useful tool to guide resource allocation and process improvement.

The frequency of Deep Vein Thrombosis in patients with hip fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To find out the frequency of deep vein thrombosis in hip fracture patients. Methods: The prospective, cross-sectional study Was conducted at Indus Hospital, Karachi, from November 2016 to September 2017, and comprised patients with hip fractures who were scanned for the presence of deep vein thrombosis on both lower limbs preoperatively at the time of presentation and postoperatively on post-op day 3 and day 28. No thrombo-prophylaxis was provided to the patients. Risk factors for deep vein thrombosis were also assessed. Data was analysed using SPSS 21.. Results: Of the 109 patients, 50(46%) were male and 59(64%) were females. The overall mean age was 64.59 ± 9.82 years. Deep vein thrombosis was found in 4(3.66%) patients; 2(50%) preoperatively and 2(50%) in the early postoperative period. No deep vein thrombosis was found in any patient on postop day 28.. Conclusion: The frequency of deep vein thrombosis in Pakistani geriatric patients with hip fractures was found to be low compared to the western population.

Significance Of Pirani Score at Bracing-Implications for Recognizing A Corrected Clubfoot.

BACKGROUND: The aim of clubfoot treatment by Ponseti method is to achieve a corrected foot, with at least 15° dorsiflexion and 70° abduction, and fit comfortably into a brace at the recommended setting. This study aimed to acknowledge the validity and reliability of the Pirani scoring system, while investigating if a corrected clubfoot has a Pirani score of zero. The study hypothesized that a corrected clubfoot may or may not have a Pirani score of zero. METHODS: 706 patients with clubfoot were treated by Ponseti's method of weekly manipulations and casting, from November 2011 to May 2016, at a tertiary care hospital, making a total of 1055 feet. All data was entered into the International Clubfoot Network Database, along with Pirani scoring. Tenotomy was performed in eligible patients. RESULTS: The mean Pirani score at the end of treatment phase of casting and initiation of the maintenance phase of bracing for the right foot was 1.1 (SD=0.55) and left foot was 1.2 (SD=0.58). These feet not only fit the criteria of a corrected clubfoot, 70° abduction and 15° dorsiflexion, but also fit well in a foot abduction brace. Of the 1055 diagnosed Clubfeet, 643 required tenotomy (60.9%). CONCLUSION: The study shows that the affected foot does not need to have a Pirani score of zero to be considered a corrected foot. Pirani score is an excellent tool used over the years to evaluate clubfoot. Pirani score does not assess adequately the transition from the treatment phase of casting to the maintenance phase of bracing. The use of the International Clubfoot Database-Treatment visit form, including all components of clubfoot and the Pirani score, provides a clear understanding of whether the patient has achieved foot correction or not. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

The pulley suture: A reliable option for closure of selected soft tissue defects under tension- three years experience of a tertiary care hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of closure of soft tissue defects through pulley suture in different clinical situations. METHODS: The descriptive chart review was conducted at The Indus Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data from May 2008 to November 2011. A detailed questionnaire was developed to address variables of interest. All patients with less than three months of follow-up or inadequate information were excluded. The data was collected through Health Management Information System. Data was entered and analysed by SPSS 16. RESULTS: There were 259 patients with 289 wounds in the study. The mean age was 29.2±11.9 years. At follow-up of two weeks, there was wound dehiscence in 2.07%, infection in 0.69% and partial flap necrosis in 1.03% patients. At 12 weeks, hypertrophic scar was reported in 2.07% and stretched scar in 0.3% patients. Acute pain was not reported in the first week of surgery. Type of wound was found to have significant association with complications (p value<0.005). Age and gender were not found have any significant association with complications (p value 0.372 and 0.238 respectively). None of the patients reported scar tenderness at 12-week follow-up. Cosmetic outcome was acceptable to all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Judicious use of pulley suture can lead to primary closure of selected soft tissue defects under moderate tension. The technique, however, needs to be utilised by surgeons experienced in soft tissue reconstruction.

A comparative review of three techniques of syndactyly release.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome of three techniques of congenital syndactyly release; to identify factors leading to difference in outcome, and to identify the incidence of neurovascular abnormalities in various types of syndactyly. METHODS: The chart review was conducted at The Indus Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data of all patients who had undergone syndactyly release between August 2008 and December 2014. Three techniques of release were included as described in literature by Bauer, Skoog and Niranjan. The data was collected through Health Management Information System. A detailed questionnaire was designed to address variables of interest. RESULTS: The age of the 29 patients with 50 webs in the study ranged from 2.2 to 17.1 years. The male to female ratio was 21:8. The complications encountered were web creep, skin flap necrosis, flexion deformity and contracture of joint. Single neurovascular bundle was found in 04(8%)webs and 45(90%) required skin graft for resurfacing of the digits. CONCLUSIONS: Bauer technique was found to be to be superior for web formation and there was low incidence of web creep compared to Skoog technique. Inclusion of syndromic cases may lead to increased complication and dissatisfaction rate. Tight closure of flaps should be avoided and generous use of skin grafts is advocated for success.

Protection of heel flaps with Ilizarov fixator as an elevation frame: A case series and review of literature.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcome of Ilizarov fixator for protection of heel and foot flaps with that of plaster of Paris boot technique. METHODS: The retrospective chart review was conducted at The Indus Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data of patients who underwent flap reconstruction of the heel from January 2011 to December 2014. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 3 months. The patients using Ilizarov fixator were placed in group A and those with modified plaster of Paris boot as the elevation device were placed in group B. A detailed questionnaire was developed to note down the relevant variables. RESULTS: Of the 31 patients, 21(70%) were in group A and 10(30%) in group B. The modified boot was considered heavy (70%) compared to none in the Ilizarov group. The mean time of removal was 5.9 wks in group A and 4.8 weeks in group B. The mean time for use of Foley\'s catheter was 16.8 hours in group A and 14.8 hours in group B. There was significant number of associated bony injuries (33%) in group A and none in group B. Both groups were satisfied with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: While Ilizarov technique is recommended for patients with extensive wounds along the heel and foot, obese patients and those non-compliant to the positioning protocol, careful use of modified plaster of Paris boot technique in relatively simpler situations of heel reconstruction with flaps is also very rewarding.

Using levels of evidence to compare clinical impact from research.

OBJECTIVES: Impact of medical institutions on clinical decision-making globally might be estimated by the level of evidence of their research articles. The aim of this study was to compare levels of evidence of articles for Pakistan. METHODS: We compared levels of evidence of articles from Pakistan, Nigeria, Japan, and the United States (U.S.). RESULTS: Majority (73%) of articles in U.S. general medical journals were high levels (1-2), while majority (66% to 95%) in Japanese, Nigerian, Pakistani, and sub-specialty U.S. journals were lower levels (3-4) (P < 0.001). The number of articles from various regions of Pakistan did not correspond to their population or number of medical colleges/universities, mainly due to the skewing effect of one institution from Karachi which contributed 38% of all high-level articles. CONCLUSIONS: A comparison of levels of evidence of articles across institutions might reflect relative potential of clinical impact, and might be useful for institutions, policy makers, and health research planners for priority setting.

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.