Caregiver-Delivered Foot Reflexology: Effects on Patients and Caregivers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of caregiver-delivered foot reflexology on patients with cancer and their caregivers. A 2-group pre- and posttest design was used in this study, and the study was conducted in an oncology hospital between January 2016 and February 2018. The study included 60 patients and 60 caregivers. Caregivers performed interventions once a day for 15 days. Patients in the experimental group received reflexology, and patients in the control group were included in the reading session. Mean pain, anxiety, and fatigue levels significantly decreased for the patients who received foot reflexology from their caregivers for 15 days compared with patients in the control group. The mean care burden score of the caregivers in both groups decreased. Clinicians should teach caregiving practices such as foot reflexology and know that these practices are a positive influence on both patients and caregivers.

Same-Day Surgery Does Not Increase the Manipulation Under Anesthesia and Reoperation Rates for Stiffness Following Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data on the incidence of stiffness and need for subsequent manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) and reoperation following same-day bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA). We compared the rates of at least 1 MUA, bilateral knee involvement, single and multiple MUA rates, and stiffness-related reoperation rates between patients undergoing same-day, same-admission staged, and staged within 1 year BTKA in a tertiary institution. METHODS: We analyzed institutional data for 3175 same-day (group A), 153 same-admission staged (group B), and 1226 staged within 1 year BTKA patients (group C) from 1998 to 2009. Several variables, including patient demographics, comorbidity profile, Charlson-Deyo index, and range of motion at different time points, were tabulated. Follow-up was minimum 1 year after first MUA. Univariate analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum or Kruskal-Wallis test, and Fisher exact or the chi-square test for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to check the bilateral knee involvement rate across groups. RESULTS: Overall, 2.2% (98/4554) of BTKA patients required MUA. The rate of at least 1 MUA was similar across groups but the percentage of bilateral knee involvement was higher in group A. The single MUA rate was comparable among groups. Both no revision and revision reoperation rates were similar among the manipulated groups. CONCLUSION: Same-day BTKA was not associated with increased incidence of single or multiple MUA and stiffness-related reoperation rates. These findings may facilitate preoperative counseling in patients with symptomatic bilateral knee disease, eligible for same-day BTKA.

Effectiveness of Surgical and Postsurgical Interventions for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome-A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To present an evidence-based overview of the effectiveness of surgical and postsurgical interventions for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). DATA SOURCES: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PEDro were searched for relevant systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to April 8, 2016. STUDY SELECTION: Two reviewers independently applied the inclusion criteria to select potential studies. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the methodologic quality. DATA SYNTHESIS: A best-evidence synthesis was performed to summarize the results. Four systematic reviews and 33 RCTs were included. Surgery versus nonsurgical interventions, timing of surgery, and various surgical techniques and postoperative interventions were studied. Corticosteroid injection was more effective than surgery (strong evidence, short-term). Surgery was more effective than splinting or anti-inflammatory drugs plus hand therapy (moderate evidence, midterm and long-term). Manual therapy was more effective than surgical treatment (moderate evidence, short-term and midterm). Within surgery, corticosteroid irrigation of the median nerve before skin closure as additive to CTS release or the direct vision plus tunneling technique was more effective than standard open CTS release (moderate evidence, short-term). Furthermore, short was more effective than long bulky dressings, and a sensory retraining program was more effective than no program after surgery (moderate evidence, short-term). For all other interventions only conflicting, limited, or no evidence was found. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment seems to be more effective than splinting or anti-inflammatory drugs plus hand therapy in the short-term, midterm, and/or long-term to treat CTS. However there is strong evidence that a local corticosteroid injection is more effective than surgery in the short-term, and moderate evidence that manual therapy is more effective than surgery in the short-term and midterm. There is no unequivocal evidence that suggests one surgical treatment is more effective than the other. Postsurgical, a short- (2-3 days) favored a long-duration (9-14 days) bulky dressing and a sensory retraining program seems to be more effective than no program in short-term. More research regarding the optimal timing of surgery for CTS is needed.

Manipulative rehabilitation applied soon after lumbar disc surgery improves late post-operative functional disability: A preliminary 2-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown late post-operative physical disability and residual pain in patients following lumbar disc surgery despite growing evidence of its beneficial effects. Therefore, rehabilitation is required to minimise the late post-operative complications. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of manipulative rehabilitation to improve late post-operative outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-one patients aged 25-65 years undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy were randomly assigned to the rehabilitation group (n= 14) or active control group (n= 7) by simple randomisation. Eight rehabilitation sessions were initiated 2-3 weeks after surgery. Thirty-minute sessions were conducted twice weekly for four weeks. Post-operative physical disability and pain were assessed at baseline and at the two-year follow-up. RESULTS: Post-operative physical disability improved more in patients who had undergone rehabilitation than in those who had received control care (63% vs. -23%, P< 0.05). Post-operative residual low back and leg pain were alleviated in the treatment group (26% and 57%, respectively), but intensified in the control group (-5% and -8%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the potential of manipulative rehabilitation and importance of post-operative management after lumbar disc surgery. Definitive trials with larger sample sizes are required to confirm the feasibility and potential therapeutic effectiveness of this approach.

What Is the Efficacy of Repeat Manipulations Under Anesthesia to Treat Stiffness Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) can help post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients who have knee stiffness regain range-of-motion. However, despite undergoing MUA, patients may have persistent knee stiffness. Often, this persistent knee stiffness is treated with a repeat MUA. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate repeat MUAs by assessing: (1) demographic characteristics, (2) range-of-motion, (3) clinical outcomes, and (4) rate of revision surgery in post-TKA patients with persistent knee stiffness who either underwent a single MUA or repeat MUAs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred-and-sixty-seven post-TKA who had undergone an MUA between 2005 and 2011 at two institutions were reviewed. Patients were stratified into those who had a single-MUA (138 knees) and those who had a repeat MUA (29 knees). The mean follow-up period was 63 months (range, 36 to 90 months). The incidence of repeat MUA within this cohort was determined. Demographics and ROM were compared using Student t-test and Chi-square as appropriate. Functional outcomes were assessed using Knee Society scores (KSS) and compared between the two cohorts. RESULTS: Among the 167 patients who underwent a MUA, 29 (17%) required repeat manipulations. The repeat MUA cohort was younger and more likely to have osteonecrosis as the underlying cause of knee disease. For the repeat MUA cohort, 17 patients (59%) had achieved satisfactory mean gains in ROM after their repeat MUAs. These patients had also achieved excellent mean Knee Society objective and functional scores. However, another seven knees (24%) had further persistent knee stiffness requiring arthrolysis of adhesions and five patients (17%) had undergone revision of the polyethylene spacer or patellar component to improve range-of-motion. CONCLUSION: In this study, the majority of patients who had undergone a repeat MUA were able to achieve improvements in flexion range-of-motion and functional outcomes. However, the remaining patients required more invasive procedure to treat persistent knee stiffness. In patients who have persistent knee stiffness after MUAs, a repeat MUA may be helpful to increase range-of-motion and function.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Women With Gynecologic Malignancy Presenting for Care at a Comprehensive Cancer Center.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices among women presenting to a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with a gynecologic malignancy. METHODS: Women with a gynecologic malignancy who had consented to enrollment in our institutional prospective clinical registry between January 2003 and January 2014 and who had completed a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, medical histories, quality of life, and CAM use were considered for analysis. RESULTS: Among the 2508 women identified, responses to questions on CAM use were provided by 534 (21.3%). The majority of CAM question respondents were white (93.5%) and older than 50 years (76%). Overall, 464 women (87% of CAM question respondents) used at least 1 CAM therapy during the previous 12 months. The most commonly used CAM categories were biologically based approaches (83.5%), mind and body interventions (30.6%), and manipulative and body-based therapies (18.8%). The most commonly used individual CAM therapies were vitamins and minerals (78%), herbal supplements (27.9%), spiritual healing and prayer (15.1%), and deep breathing relaxation exercises (13.1%). Complementary and alternative medicine use was greatest in age groups 20 to 30 years and older than 65 years and was more prevalent among those who were widowed (P < 0.005), retired (P = 0.02), and with a higher level of education (P < 0.01). There was no association with cancer type, race, or ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: Complementary and alternative medicine use is common among women being treated for gynecologic malignancy. Given the potential interactions of some CAM modalities with conventional treatment and the possible benefits in controlling symptoms and improving quality of life, providers should discuss CAM with their patients.

Manipulation Under Anesthesia After Total Knee Arthroplasty is Associated with An Increased Incidence of Subsequent Revision Surgery.

A national database was used to evaluate the risk for manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the association of demographics and comorbidities with needing MUA, and the risk of revision TKA after MUA. Of the 141,016 patients who underwent TKA, 4.3% required MUA within 6 months. Age under 50 years (OR: 2.79, P<0.0001), age 50-65 years (OR: 2.03, P<0.0001), and female gender (OR: 1.12, P<0.0001) were all associated with increased rates of MUA. In patients under age 65 years, smoking (OR: 1.47, P<0.0001) was associated with an increased rate of MUA. Patients who require MUA within 6 months after TKA have a significantly increased risk of early revision TKA (OR: 2.43, P<0.0001).

Characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine use for children with allergic rhinitis: a nationwide population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common allergic disorder in children, some of whom seek complementary treatments, including acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Little, however, is known about the treatment of pediatric AR with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). To characterize TCM use in pediatric AR, we conducted a nationwide population-based study. METHODS: We screened one million randomly sampled beneficiaries of the National Health Insurance Program in Taiwan from 2002 to 2010 to identify children <18 years of age with newly diagnosed allergic rhinitis (ICD-9 code 477.9). The subjects were categorized according to their use of TCM. RESULTS: We identified 97,401 children newly diagnosed with AR for inclusion in the study. Among these children, 63.11% (N=61,472) had used TCM. There were significantly more TCM users than non-users among school-age children and adolescents (P<0.001). Most (99.1%) pediatric TCM users received Chinese herbal remedies (99.1%); only 0.9% received acupuncture or manipulative therapies. Xin-Yi-Qing-Fei-Tang (Magnolia Flower Lung-Clearing Decoction) was the most frequently prescribed TCM formulation (23.44%), and the most commonly prescribed single herb was Chan-Tui (Periostracum cicadae; 13.78%). Regarding syndrome differentiation (ZHENG) according to TCM theory, prescriptions for the Cold Syndrome exceeded those for the Hot Syndrome throughout the year in Taiwan. CONCLUSIONS: We found that approximately two-thirds of pediatric AR patients were prescribed TCM treatments in Taiwan. Further research is warranted to examine the efficacy and safety of TCM for pediatric AR patients.

Tracción vertebral manual: vigencia de una ancestral técnica de fisioterapia / Vertebral traction manual: force of an ancestral technical of physiotherapy / Traction vertébrale manuelle: validité d'une technique de physiothérapie ancestrale

Las algias vertebrales constituyen un problema que se caracteriza por su alta prevalencia en la población. Esta patología generalmente es benigna y su interés se centra en su elevada frecuencia, repercusión social, laboral y económica. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo explicar los fundamentos biofísicos, objetivos de su aplicación, efectos biológicos, metodología y técnica de aplicación, así como sus indicaciones y contraindicaciones. La fisioterapia ha sido durante mucho años, una herramienta muy utilizada en la resolución de los síntomas producidos por este tipo de lesión, dentro de sus modalidades se encuentra la tracción vertebral manual, método terapéutico que se basa, en el estiramiento mecánico del raquis, generalmente dirigido a un segmento de este, para mejorar el dolor y la contractura muscular; controvertida técnica para muchos especialistas por prejuicios que le rodea sin evidencia clínica clara. No obstante, esta técnica mantiene su eficacia, como medio terapéutico en el alivio del dolor.

The spinal pain constitute a problem that characterizes by his high prevalence in the population. This pathology generally is benign and his interest centres in his high frequency, social repercussion, labour and economic. The present article has like aim explain the biophysical foundations, aims of his application, biological effects, methodology and technical of application, as well as his indications and contraindications. The physiotherapy has been during a lot of years, a very used tool in the resolution of the symptoms produced by this type of injury, inside his modalities finds the vertebral traction manual, therapeutic method that bases , in the stretching of the spine, generally headed to a segment of east, to improve the pain and the muscular contracture; controversial technician for a lot of specialists by prejudices that surrounds him without clear clinical evidence. This technique keeps his current efficiency like half therapeutic in the relief of the pain.

Les algies vertébrales constituent un trouble physique caractérisé par un taux de prévalence très haut dans la population. Cette pathologie est généralement bénigne, et son point d’intérêt réside sur sa haute fréquence, son retentissement social, économique, et du travail. Le présent article est visé à expliquer ses fondements biophysiques, les objectifs de sa mise en application, ses effets biologiques, sa méthodologie, sa technique d’application, et ses indications et contre-indications. La physiothérapie a été depuis longtemps un outil très utilisé pour l’amélioration des symptômes provoqués par ce type de lésion ; elle comprend la traction vertébrale manuelle, technique thérapeutique basée sur l’allongement mécanique du rachis et dirigée généralement à un segment de celui-là pour soulager la douleur et la contraction musculaire. Étant donnés les préjudices sans fondement scientifique qui l’entourent, elle est devenue une technique très polémique pour beaucoup de spécialistes. Toutefois, cette technique maintient son efficacité comme moyen thérapeutique pour soulager la douleur.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine among children, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors: a survey study.

PURPOSE: The main objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use, types and reasons for use, and determinants of use among survivors of childhood cancer. METHODS: An interviewer-based survey of CAM use was administered to 197 survivors or their guardians. Demographic data, CAM therapies used, purpose and referral for use, and communication about use was collected. RESULTS: A total of 115 (58%) survivors reported using CAM in survivorship, 72% of which used biologically based therapies. The majority of therapies were used for relaxation and stress management (15%), referred for use by the parent (25%), reported as very effective (62%), and initiated 0 to 4 years after completion of cancer treatment (41%). Among CAM users, young adults used manipulative and body-based therapies [odds ratio (OR)=3.3; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.4-7.8] and mind-body therapies (OR=2.8, 95% CI: 1.2-6.4) more than children. Use of mind-body therapies was associated with not attending religious services regularly (OR=2.4; P<0.01). Half (51%) of all CAM therapies were disclosed to the physician. CONCLUSIONS: Survivors of childhood cancer frequently use CAM for health promotion and mitigation of physical and psychological conditions. Clinicians should consider the role of CAM in the adoption of healthy lifestyles among this population.

Efeito imediato da manipulação thrust aplicada na coluna cervical alta sobre a abertura ativa da boca: ensaio clínico randomizado / Immediate effects of upper cervical thrust manipulation on active mouth opening: randomized clinical trial

Objetivo - Determinar a influência imediata da técnica de alta velocidade e baixa amplitude (HVLA) aplicada na coluna cervical alta na abertura ativa da boca. As desordens temporomandibulares são afecções da articulação temporomandibular e suas estruturas periarticulares, sendo um dos sinais característicos a redução na amplitude de depressão da mandíbula. Métodos - Participaram do estudo 83 voluntários com idade entre 18 e 33 anos e dor na coluna cervical, distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos, o experimental, submetidos a técnica HVLA (n= 41) e o grupo placebo (n=42). Cada sujeito teve a abertura da boca mensurada três vezes antes e após o tratamento por um avaliador cego. Resultados - O grupo em que a técnica HVLA foi aplicada na coluna cervical alta promoveu aumento imediato na abertura da boca, visto que a ADM de depressão da mandíbula no momento após intervenção, como a diferença pré e pós-intervenção foram maiores no grupo experimental comparado ao grupo placebo. Conclusão - A aplicação da HVLA sobre os músculos suboccipitais pode promover aumento na abertura da boca em sujeitos sintomáticos na região da coluna cervical imediatamente após a intervenção.

Objective - To determine the immediate influence of high velocity and low aplitude (HVLA) technique applied to upper cervical spine in active mouth opening. Temporomandibular disorders are affections of the temporomandibular joint and periarticular structures, which one of signs is a depression ampleness reduction of the jaw. Methods - The study included 83 volunteers aged between 18 and 33 years and pain inthe cervical spine, divided in two groups, the experimental subject to HVLA (n = 41) and placebo (n = 42 ). Each subject had the opening of the mouth measured three times before and after treatment by a blinded evaluator. Results - The group which HVLA was applied to the upper cervical spine promoted and immediate increase in mouth opening, since the ADM of depression at the time of the jaw after the intervention, as the difference before and after intervention, were higher in the experimental group compared to placebo group. Conclusion - The application of the HVLA on the upper cervical spine may promote an increase in mouth opening in subjects with symptomatic cervical spine region immediately after the intervention.

The Ponseti method in Latin America: initial impact and barriers to its diffusion and implementation.

The Ponseti method for correcting clubfoot is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment that has recently been implemented in Latin America. This study evaluates the initial impact and unique barriers to the diffusion of the Ponseti method throughout this region. Structured interviews were conducted with 30 physicians practicing the Ponseti method in three socioeconomically diverse countries: Chile, Peru and Guatemala. Since learning the Ponseti method, these physicians have treated approximately 1,740 clubfoot patients, with an estimated 1,705 (98%) patients treated using the Ponseti method, and 35 (2%) patients treated using surgical techniques. The barriers were classified into the following themes: physician education, health care system of the country, culture and beliefs of patients, physical distance and transport, financial barriers for patients, and parental compliance with the method. The results yielded several common barriers throughout Latin America including lack of physician education, physical distance to the treatment centers, and financial barriers for patients. Information from this study can be used to inform, and to implement and evaluate specific strategies to improve the diffusion of the Ponseti method for treating clubfoot throughout Latin America.

Ponseti Brasil: a national program to eradicate neglected clubfoot - preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: After hearing about the reproducible and excellent results of the Ponseti method for clubfoot treatment, a group of Brazilian orthopaedic surgeons organized and participated in a standardized national program to teach the Ponseti technique in 21 different cities across Brazil. METHODS: A total of 21 Ponseti symposiums were organized in a standard fashion from January, 2007 to December, 2008. They consisted of a two-day program with lectures, hands-on cast application, and discussion of local clinical cases presented by orthopaedic surgeons. Thirteen Brazilian orthopaedic surgeons, who had been trained by the University of Iowa or centers recognized by them, taught the method. Financial support for travel was provided by an English charity: La Vida (Vital Investment for Developing Aid in Latin America). The physicians who attended the symposiums answered questionnaires before and after the training. RESULTS: About 7% of the 8000 orthopaedic surgeons in Brazil (556 orthopaedic surgeons) were trained. These orthopaedic surgeons stated that they had treated about 4905 babies in the previous year via other methods, including extensive surgery. Seventeen percent of the surgeons did not know about the Ponseti technique at the start of the symposium. Eighty-eight percent reported they felt able to treat children with the Ponseti technique after the symposium. Ninety-four percent of respondents reported that the symposium changed their way of treating clubfoot CONCLUSIONS: These Ponseti symposiums brought about an exchange of medical information and empowered the participants. This program is a good educational tool which can be used in eradicating neglected clubfoot in Brazil.

Classification of CAM use and its correlates in patients with early-stage breast cancer.

HYPOTHESIS: Self-reported use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been shown to increase following a cancer diagnosis, and breast cancer survivors are the heaviest users among cancer survivors. The aim of this study was to determine whether the prevalence estimate of CAM use varied according to classification of CAM. The authors used a comprehensive system to classify CAM users and test differences in demographic, lifestyle, quality of life, and cancer characteristics among them. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Participants were 2562 breast cancer survivors participating in the Women's Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) Study, aged 28 to 74 years. A structured telephone interview assessed CAM use, questioning about specific CAM practices, and whether use was related to cancer. This study examined CAM use in relation to demographics, health behaviors, and quality of life. RESULTS: Approximately 80% of the women used CAM for general purposes but only 50% reported CAM use for cancer purposes. Visual imagery, spiritual healing, and meditation were the most frequently used practices for cancer purposes. CAM use, defined as consulting a CAM practitioner and regular use, was significantly related to younger age, higher education, increased fruit and vegetable intake, and lower body mass index (P < .05). CAM users who had seen a practitioner were also more likely to report poor physical and mental health than non-CAM users (P < .05). CAM use was not associated with changes in physical and mental health between study baseline and 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study addressed important differences in the classification of CAM use among breast cancer survivors. Future studies need to further test the potential benefits and risks associated with CAM use.

Complementary and alternative medicine use among long-term lymphoma survivors: a pilot study.

No published survey has specifically addressed the beliefs, knowledge, and usage of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in long-term (5-20 years) lymphoma survivors alone. In this pilot project, 95 subjects were randomly selected from a population of 2,475 long-term lymphoma survivors and mailed a questionnaire. The median time from lymphoma diagnosis to completion of the questionnaire was 11 years (range 6-20). Overall, 68% (95% CI: 54-80%) of the long-term lymphoma survivors reported that they have used CAM, a rate higher than the estimated usage rate reported for the general population The most commonly used modalities were chiropractic (39%, 95% CI: 27-53%) and massage therapy (21%, 95% CI: 12-34%). Less than 10% used meditation (5%, 95% CI: 1-15%) and relaxation (7%, 95% CI: 2-17%). In terms of common herbal usage, 5% (95% CI: 1-15%) had used St. John's Wort and 7% (95% CI: 2-17%) had used shark cartilage. Although none of the patients reported that CAM usage was directed specifically towards treating their lymphoma, 4% (95% CI: 0-12%) of patients reported that CAM could cure cancer, and 14% (95% CI: 6-26%) reported that CAM could increase their feeling of control over their health. This pilot study suggests that long-term lymphoma survivors appear to use CAM at a rate higher than the general population. The use of potential agents of risk by the survivors and the lack of access to potentially beneficial modalities highlights the need for further study of CAM in this population.

Closed manipulation after total knee arthroplasty: outcome and affecting variables.

Clinic records of 37 manipulations in 767 consecutive primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) were analyzed to identify any predictors of manipulation outcome. Factors studied were sex, age, body mass index, tibiofemoral alignment, surgical history, smoking history, range of motion before TKA and manipulation, intraoperative lateral release, implant design and manufacturer, and manipulation interval. Measures of outcome were gains in extension and flexion from manipulation and range of motion at 1-year follow-up. Patients gained an average of 4 degrees of extension and 22 degrees of flexion after manipulation, resulting in average extension of 1 degree and average flexion of 105 degrees at 1-year follow-up. Restored flexion was similar to that measured preoperatively. Manipulation was most effective in patients manipulated within 8 weeks, with full extension and <90 degrees of flexion prior to manipulation, and those receiving a lateral release during arthroplasty. Potential for benefit from manipulation appears to be reduced in patients with large flexion contractures but with adequate flexion. Patients with flexion contractures regained only approximately 80% of the extension they lacked before manipulation. Only 12 of 18 patients (67%) with flexion contractures regained full extension. Manipulation is successful at regaining flexion and restoring function for patients of all levels of flexion deficiency. At least 90 degrees of flexion was regained in 20 of 23 patients (87%) who lacked it at manipulation.

Resource utilization in clubfoot management.

UNLABELLED: Both private and socialized healthcare systems require treatments to be not only effective, but also cost-efficient. Although the Ponseti method of clubfoot treatment is effective, its cost-effectiveness has not been demonstrated. We compared the difference in resource use between two prospective cohorts treated for clubfoot by either the Ponseti method or below-knee casting followed by primary surgical release in the socialized healthcare system of New Zealand. Using these cohorts and US billing data, costs of treating these cohorts in the US healthcare system were also calculated. Treatment of initial deformity, recurrences, and complications in both cohorts were included in the final assessment. Twenty-six patients (40 feet) were enrolled in the Ponseti cohort and 29 (46 feet) in the primary surgical cohort. For most patients, the Ponseti method was more cost-effective than the primary surgical treatment in both healthcare systems. The cost of treating both cohorts was lower in the socialized system than in the US healthcare system. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prognostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.