Ponseti method of treating clubfoot - Is there difference if treatment is started before or after one month of age?

INTRODUCTION: Most of the authors currently agree that congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) or idiopathic clubfoot can be effectively treated with the Ponseti method instead of extensive soft tissue surgery. This study was conducted to investigate whether there is a difference in the outcome between starting treatment before one month of age or after that age. METHODS: This is a retrospective study on babies with CTEV treated in University Malaya Medical Centre from 2013 to 2017. The 54 babies (35 boys and 19 girls) were divided into two cohorts, Group 1 that had treatment before the age of one month, and Group 2 that had treatment after one month old. The number of cast changes, rate of full correction, and rate of relapse after treatment were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Of the 54 babies, with 77 CTEV treated during the period, our outcome showed that the mean number of cast change was 5.9 for Group 1 and 5.7 for Group 2. The difference was not statistically significant. All the affected feet (100%) achieved full correction. One foot in the Group 1 relapsed, while three feet in Group 2 relapsed, but the difference was also not statistically significant. All of the relapsed feet were successfully treated with repeated Ponseti method. CONCLUSIONS: Treating CTEV using Ponseti method starting after one month was not associated with more casting change of higher rate of relapse.

Pattern of Presentation and Outcome of Short-term Treatment for Idiopathic Clubfoot / CTEV with Ponseti Method.

Introduction: Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV) is a common congenital foot deformity that is associated with long term disability. Treatment with Ponseti method has been successful especially for children who present early. We conducted this study to investigate the age of presentation of children and report the early outcome. Materials: This is a retrospective study from a single institution. We included 31 patients with 45 idiopathic clubfeet and investigated problems and success rate at the end of serial casting. Results: Mean age at presentation was 4.9 months. The mean number of casting was 6 and mean duration of casting was 2.7 months. The initial success rate of 91.1%, with four feet (8.8%) diagnosed as resistant clubfoot and eventually required soft tissue surgery. With mean follow up of 14.1 months, four other feet (8.8%) developed relapse but were treated with repeat Ponseti method. Conclusion: Many CTEV patients present late for treatment. However, the Ponseti method remained effective with high initial success rate of 91.1%. Relapsed CTEV can still be treated successfully with repeat casting using the Ponseti method.