Results of treatment of idiopathic clubfoot in older infants using the Ponseti method: a preliminary report

Abstract

The Ponseti method has become a well-established technique for the treatment of clubfoot presenting in the neonatal period. A few reports have discussed the result of this method in older age group. The purpose of this study is to present the results and clinical experience of using the Ponseti method in the treatment of idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus in infants presented between 4 and 13 months of age with a history of failed manipulations. Thirty-two feet in 20 infants (12 males; eight females) with idiopathic congenital clubfeet were treated using the Ponseti method with minor modifications. The average age at presentation was 7 months (range from 4 to 13 months). We used the Pirani scoring system to assess the feet. After an average follow-up of 19 months, the ultimate overall results were satisfactory in 31 feet. The Pirani score improved from an average of 4.3 (range: 3–6) at presentation to a final follow-up average of 0.5 (range: 0–1). One foot had unsatisfactory result with a pretreatment score of 5.5 and a final score of 3. The results were also presented in terms of the number of casts applied, the need for tenotomy of tendo Achillis, recurrence of the deformity and the ultimate requirement for surgical release. The use of the Ponseti method in older-aged infants with idiopathic congenital clubfoot seems to be an effective method of treatment, obviating the need for extensive surgery.