BackgroundThe prevalence of untreated congenital clubfoot among children older than walking age is higher in developing countries due to limited resources for early care after birth. The Ponseti method represents an intervention option for older, untreated children.MethodsA metanalysis was conducted of observational studies selected through a systematic review of articles included in electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, Embase, Lilacs, and the Cochrane Library) until June 2017. A pooling analysis of proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and a publication bias assessment were performed as routine. Estimates of success, recurrence, and complication rates were weighted and pooled using the random effects model.ResultsTwelve studies, including 654 feet diagnosed with congenital clubfoot in children older than walking age (older than 1 year old), were included for analysis. The rate of satisfactory outcomes found via a cluster metanalysis of proportions using the random effects model was 89% (95% CI = 0.82–0.94, p < 0.01), relative to the total analysed. The recurrence rate was 18% (95% CI = 0.14–0.24, p = 0.015), and the rate of casting complications was 7% (95% CI = 0.03–0.15, p = 0.19).ConclusionApplication of the Ponseti method in children with untreated idiopathic clubfoot older than walking age leads to satisfactory outcomes, has a low cost, and avoids surgical procedures likely to cause complications. The results obtained exhibited considerable heterogeneity.
Purpose
The objective of the study is to compare the radiographic and clinical results of two techniques for the treatment of hallux valgus that have the same indication, the open scarf/Akin (SA) technique and the percutaneous Chevron/Akin (PECA).
Methods
A meta-analysis was performed with the studies found during a systematic review of articles included in electronic databases until 30 May 2020. The pooled analysis was summarized according to clinical outcomes, such as visual analog pain scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, radiographic outcomes and complications, with a 95% confidence interval.
Results
Three studies comparing the open scarf/Akin (SA) versus the PECA techniques were added to the analysis, corresponding to 235 feet, 102 in the PECA group and 133 in the SA. The final mean difference in the hallux valgus angle was 0.80 degrees and in the intermetatarsal angle 0.53, in the last radiographic evaluation. In the AOFAS score, the final mean difference was 4.97 points and in the VAS 0.14 in relation to the last clinical evaluation. Exposure to radiation during the surgical procedure was higher in the PECA group with a mean of 35.53 seconds.
Conclusions
The PECA surgical technique for the treatment of hallux valgus when compared with SA demonstrated similar radiographic correction, pain and function after six months of follow-up but with a longer radiation exposure time.
Register of systematic review (PROSPERO)
CRD42018096613.
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