[Pediatric clubfoot : Treatment of recurrence]. / Kindlicher Klumpfuß : Rezidivbehandlung.

Over the last 10 years the Ponseti method has become established as the gold standard for initial treatment of clubfeet nearly worldwide. Nevertheless, there are considerable fluctuations regarding the authenticity and quality in the application of the Ponseti method. Especially the efforts to ensure and promote compliance with the foot abduction brace and subsequently the recurrence rate show great variation. As a result, we are still faced with a significant number of recurrent or residual clubfeet. In recent years it has been shown in high-volume clinics that even these can almost always be successfully treated with recasting and with minor interventions, such as anterior tibial tendon transfer and lengthening of the Achilles tendon. More invasive surgical procedures are only very rarely indicated and are reserved for severe recurrence in previously surgically treated and secondary clubfeet.

[Ponseti method for treatment of idiopathic clubfoot]. / Klumpfußtherapie nach Ponseti.

OBJECTIVE: Pain-free, plantigrade, functional foot through gentle manipulation without extended surgery and with decreased probability of relapse. INDICATIONS: Idiopathic clubfoot; neurogenic and secondary clubfeet. CONTRAINDICATIONS: None. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Simultaneous correction of all components of the clubfoot. Mainly conservative, with serial casts. Slight supination to address the cavus and increasing abduction to align the midfoot bones while putting counter-pressure on the head of the talus. Surgery primarily only to correct the equinus, which can often not be accomplished through casting, and consists of a simple subcutaneous section. Due to tendency to relapse, further surgery might be necessary, followed by serial casting. Remaining deformity can be treated by percutaneous lengthening of the Achilles tendon, percutaneous release of the plantar fascia or a transfer of the tibialis anterior tendon to the third cuneiform. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Abduction orthosis for stabilization of the clinical result 24 h/day for 3 months, then only at night- and naptime through end of the third year of life. Follow-up every 3-4 months.

Idiopathic clubfoot treated with the Ponseti method: factors associated with patient follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Follow-up after treatment with the Ponseti method is important because of the known association be- tween lack of brace wear and recurrence. This study was designed to ascertain factors associated with patients who did not return for the recommended follow-up versus those who did. METHODS: Between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2009, 222 patients were treated for idiopathic clubfoot at the New York Ponseti Clubfoot Center at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, of which 93 patients (143 feet) were potentially available for follow-up (i.e., ≤ 7 years of age, had not moved, or transferred care to another institution). Attempts were made to contact all patients' parents or guardians by telephone to respond to a survey, which included questions from the Disease Specific Instrument and the Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire. Forty-two of the 93 patients (45%) responded. The responder group, those who answered the survey, was compared to the group of non-responders. The responder group was further divided into a returning group (35 out of 42, 83%) and a lost to follow-up group (17%, not followed-up in over a year). A chart review was performed for demographics, Dimeglio/Bensahel and Catterall/Pirani scores, and treatment. RESULTS: When comparing the responder and non- responder groups, the responder group had significantly lower (p < 0.05) Catterall/Pirani scores at initial visit than the non-responder group (5.0 versus 5.5), but otherwise these two groups were similar. Among the responders, 91% or more were very satisfied/satisfied with status and appearance of foot in both lost to follow-up and returning groups. The lost to follow-up group was significantly (p < 0.05) older at the time of the survey (5 years versus 3.7 years), required significantly fewer casts (4.4 versus 5.5), had significantly lower Dimeglio/Bensahel scores at time of the start of foot adbuction orthoses (FAO) (0.0 versus 2.0), and trended toward greater footwear limitations (p = 0.051) compared with the returning group. CONCLUSIONS: Number of casts, severity scores at the start of FAO, and footwear limitations are possible factors to differentiate between lost to follow-up and returning patients. This information may help other clubfoot centers provide vigilant outreach and therefore decrease recurrence rate.

[Treatment of recurrent clubfoot and residual deformities after congenital clubfoot]. / Therapie des Rezidivklumpfußes und residueller Deformitäten nach kongenitalem Klumpfuß

Relapse and residual deformity after treatment of congenital clubfoot are common problems. Recurrences occur in up to 48 % of cases after successful initial treatment using Ponseti's technique. By casting and anterior tibial tendon transfer as recommended by Ponseti a flexible and well functioning foot can be achieved in most cases. Neglected clubfoot remains a demanding challenge. Depending on the severity of the deformity, the impairment of function and patient age, conservative and/or different operative treatment options can be considered. Manipulation and casting according to Ponseti is also recommended in toddlers with relapses even after peritalar joint release. Thus the need and extent of operative treatment can be reduced. Additional osteotomy may be indicated in more rigid feet and older children. An accurate evaluation of the existing deformity and functional impairment is mandatory for the individual choice of treatment. The number of previous operative procedures reduces the amount of improvement and mobility of the foot. Therefore, the best and most efficient treatment for recurrent clubfoot is prevention in the form of consistent primary treatment, consistently wearing braces and regular follow-up examinations.

[Comparison of treatment results of idiopathic and non-idiopathic congenital clubfoot : prospective evaluation of the Ponseti therapy]. / Vergleich der Behandlungsergebnisse bei kongenitalen idiopathischen und nichtidiopathischen Klumpfüßen : Prospektive Evaluation der Ponseti-Therapie.

BACKGROUND: Clubfoot deformity is one of the most common congenital musculoskeletal deformities and occurs in newborns with different neuromuscular diseases. To date the Ponseti method is the gold standard for the treatment of idiopathic clubfeet but not for non-idiopathic clubfeet which are associated with neuromuscular diseases. The results of the treatment for congenital idiopathic and non-idiopathic clubfeet according to Ponseti performed in our department since 2004 were compared concerning results and relapse surgery with particular reference to the compliance of the parents concerning the use of an abduction splint. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 101 children (28 female and 73 male) with 159 clubfeet were treated with the Ponseti method and included in this prospective non-randomized cohort study. Of these children 27 with 48 affected feet suffered from neuromuscular diseases which are associated with clubfoot deformity, such as myelomeningocele (n=4), arthrogryposis (n=9) and various other syndromes (n=14). The degree of the deformity was evaluated with the Pirani score initially, after casting and at follow-up. Parents were asked at follow-up to state subjectively how compliant they were with the abduction splint treatment. The necessity of surgical treatment of relapses was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed applying χ(2) and Kruskal-Wallis tests for the comparison of idiopathic and non-idiopathic clubfeet. RESULTS: The average period of follow-up was 36 month (range 6-75 months) and non-idiopathic clubfeet were initially significantly more severely deformed according to the Pirani-score (p=0.013). Treatment of non-idiopathic clubfeet was started significantly later than that of idiopathic clubfeet (p=0.003) and took significantly longer (p <0.001). A correlation between the initiation of casting and the duration of casting was not found (p=0.399). At the end of the casting period no significant differences were found between correction of idiopathic and non-idiopathic clubfeet with respect to the Pirani score (p=0.8). The mean score after casting was 0.1 in both groups. At mid-term follow-up the score increased in both groups but stayed below 0.5 with non-idiopathic clubfeet showing a significantly higher score than idiopathic clubfeet (p=0.014). Relapse surgery was necessary in 11% of the patients. No significant difference in the revision rate was found between the two groups (p=0.331) and peritalar release was not necessary in either group. The rate of revisions correlated with the compliance concerning the use of the abduction splint (p <0.001). Only 61% of the parents stated that they adhered strictly to the abduction splint treatment recommendations with no significant difference between the groups (p=0.398). CONCLUSION: This study shows good initial results after Ponseti treatment for idiopathic as well as non-idiopathic clubfeet. Based on the good functional results all clubfeet should initially be treated with the Ponseti method regardless of the etiology.

[Congenital clubfoot]. / Kongenitaler Klumpfuss

Congenital clubfoot is one of the most common congenital skeletal deformities with an incidence of 1-2/1000 newborns. The deformity is characterized by pathological changes of joints, bones (especially the talus), muscles, tendons and soft tissues which result in subtalar malpositions known as talipes equinus, varus adductus and cavus. Secondary clubfoot is always part of an underlying systemic or neurologic disease and can occur at birth or develop over time. The treatment of clubfoot should start early after birth and is primarily conservative, involving manipulation and serial casting. Among conservative techniques available today, the Ponseti method is the treatment of choice. Applying this treatment protocol surgical therapy can be reduced in amount and extent. Extensive surgical therapy is only necessary in exceptional cases.

The effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on congenital talipes equinovarus following correction with the Ponseti method: a pilot study.

The Ponseti method for clubfoot treatment offers satisfactory initial correction, but success correlates with abduction brace compliance, which is variable. Electrical stimulation as a dynamic intervention to prevent relapses was investigated. Data were compared to a control group. There was a significant improvement in ankle range of motion only in the study group after short-term intervention, and a trend toward greater increase in calf circumference in this group. Parental perception was positive with no compliance issues. This study suggests stimulation is feasible with potential to increase ankle range of motion and facilitate muscle activity. It could be an important adjunct in preventing relapses, however, further studies with larger groups and longer intervention and follow-up duration are necessary.

A comparison of two nonoperative methods of idiopathic clubfoot correction: the Ponseti method and the French functional (physiotherapy) method. Surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: In the treatment of idiopathic clubfeet, the Ponseti method and the French functional method have been successful in reducing the need for surgery. The purpose of this prospective study was to compare the results of these two methods at one institution. METHODS: Patients under three months of age with previously untreated idiopathic clubfeet were enrolled. All feet were rated for severity prior to treatment. After both techniques had been described to them, the parents selected the treatment method. Outcomes at a minimum of two years were classified as good (a plantigrade foot with, or without, a heel-cord tenotomy), fair (a plantigrade foot that had or needed to have limited posterior release or tibialis anterior transfer), or poor (a need for a complete posteromedial surgical release). Two hundred and sixty-seven feet in 176 patients treated with the Ponseti method and 119 feet in eighty patients treated with the French functional method met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: The patients were followed for an average of 4.3 years. Both groups had similar severity scores before treatment. The initial correction rates were 94.4% for the Ponseti method and 95% for the French functional method. Relapses occurred in 37% of the feet that had initially been successfully treated with the Ponseti method. One-third of the relapsed feet were salvaged with further nonoperative treatment, but the remainder required operative intervention. Relapses occurred in 29% of the feet that had been successfully treated with the French functional method, and all required operative intervention. At the time of the latest follow-up, the outcomes for the feet treated with the Ponseti method were good for 72%, fair for 12%, and poor for 16%. The outcomes for the feet treated with the French functional method were good for 67%, fair for 17%, and poor for 16%. CONCLUSIONS: Nonoperative correction of an idiopathic clubfoot deformity can be maintained over time in most patients. Although there was a trend showing improved results with use of the Ponseti method, the difference was not significant. In our experience, parents select the Ponseti method twice as often as they select the French functional method.

Pedobarographic analysis following Ponseti treatment for congenital clubfoot.

UNLABELLED: Current methods of treating congenital clubfeet provide high rates of functional outcomes. Despite the clinical outcomes, radiographic assessment suggests residual equinus deformity of the hindfoot. It is unclear whether these deformities result in abnormal foot-floor pressures and whether they correlate with clinical outcome. We evaluated 28 feet in 20 patients following Ponseti treatment for clubfoot by clinical and pedobarographic examination a mean of 33 months after removal of the last cast. The data were compared to age- and weight-matched normal subjects and to the unaffected foot in the unilaterally affected patients. Despite ankle range of motion of 30 degrees and a physiologic hindfoot valgus alignment in 19 cases, pedobarography suggested differences in maximum force, impulse, contact area, and peak pressure compared to normal subjects. Compared to the unaffected foot the only difference was reduced peak pressure over the medial hindfoot and forefoot with increased pressure over the lateral midfoot. Similar to radiographic abnormalities in studies on treated clubfeet with good functional outcome, pedobarographic analyses show differences compared to a control group. The value of pedobarographic analysis for predicting successful treatment of congenital clubfoot is questionable since it does not correlate with the clinical outcome in patients treated with the Ponseti method. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, diagnostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Towards effective Ponseti clubfoot care: the Uganda Sustainable Clubfoot Care Project.

UNLABELLED: Neglected clubfoot is common, disabling, and contributes to poverty in developing nations. The Ponseti clubfoot treatment has high efficacy in correcting the clubfoot deformity in ideal conditions but is demanding on parents and on developing nations' healthcare systems. Its effectiveness and the best method of care delivery remain unknown in this context. The 6-year Uganda Sustainable Clubfoot Care Project (USCCP) aims to build the Ugandan healthcare system's capacity to treat children with the Ponseti method and assess its effectiveness. We describe the Project and its achievements to date (March 2008). The Ugandan Ministry of Health has approved the Ponseti method as the preferred treatment for congenital clubfoot in all its hospitals. USCCP has trained 798 healthcare professionals to identify and treat foot deformities at birth. Ponseti clubfoot care is now available in 21 hospitals; in 2006-2007, 872 children with clubfeet were seen. USCCP-designed teaching modules on clubfoot and the Ponseti method are in use at two medical and three paramedical schools. 1152 students in various health disciplines have benefited. USCCP surveys have (1) determined the incidence of clubfoot in Uganda as 1.2 per 1000 live births, (2) gained knowledge surrounding attitudes, beliefs, and practices about clubfoot across different regions, and (3) identified barriers to adherence to Ponseti treatment protocols. USCCP is now following a cohort of treated children to evaluate its effectiveness in the Ugandan context. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Evaluation of a disease-specific instrument for idiopathic clubfoot outcome.

UNLABELLED: In 2001, Roye et al. developed a disease-specific instrument (DSI) to measure outcomes of treatment for clubfoot. We assessed this instrument using a cohort of 62 patients, ages 5 through 12 years (mean, 8.6 years), with idiopathic clubfoot who were treated as infants by various methods. Treatment groups were defined by whether the patient received joint-invasive surgery (posterior or posteromedial release surgery) or joint-sparing treatment only (manipulation and casting with or without tendo-Achilles lengthening or anterior tibial tendon transfer). The DSI scales demonstrated internal consistency reliability of 0.74 to 0.85 using Cronbach's alpha. Higher (better) DSI scores were associated with "excellent" general health ratings and better health-related quality of life; lower DSI score were related to special healthcare needs. Patients treated using joint-sparing techniques only (eg, Ponseti technique) had higher DSI scores than those who had received joint-invasive surgery. DSI scores for patients who had received posterior or posterior medial release surgery were very similar to those reported by Roye et al. in New York for a comparable group of patients. Our findings suggest the DSI is sensitive to differences in treatment technique or underlying severity of disease. These data support the use of the Roye DSI as an outcome measure for idiopathic clubfoot in children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

[Treatment of congenital clubfoot with the Ponseti method]. / Die Behandlung des kongenitalen Klumpfusses mit der Ponseti-Methode.

AIM: The primary therapy for congenital clubfoot is non-surgical involving manipulation and serial casting. With traditional casting, relatively large numbers of feet require extensive surgery to achieve full correction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Ponseti method. METHODS: Between 1.1.2004 und 31.12.2005, 29 patients with 41 clubfeet were treated with the Ponseti method. Only patients without any prior treatment were included. Classification followed Pirani's score. The number of casts to full correction, tenotomies, number of posteromedial releases, dorsi-, plantarflexion and hindfoot position were documented. The follow-up time was 1-9 months, the average follow-up time was 9.1 months. RESULTS: 39 clubfeet were successfully treated with the Ponseti method. The average Pirani score was 4.9. Percutaneous tenotomies were necessary in 34 of the clubfeet. Average dorsiflexion was 19 degrees and plantarflexion 42 degrees . After failed Ponseti treatment 2 feet were treated with a posteromedial release. CONCLUSION: With the Ponseti method the need for extensive corrective surgery is greatly reduced. We recommend the Ponseti method as standard therapy in clubfoot management.

Idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus.

The etiology of idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus is unknown, and there is no consensus as to the best treatment. Increasingly, ultrasound is being used to diagnose the condition prenatally, but the diagnosis remains clinical postnatally. Radiographs can help confirm the diagnosis and ascertain the severity of the condition. There are many classification schemes, but none offers adequate prognostic value. The mainstay of treatment is manipulation and casting, usually followed by soft-tissue release. However, some patients have been successfully treated with intensive physiotherapy instead of surgery.