Causes of Non-Optimal Conservative Treatment of Congenital Clubfoot in Children

Abstract

Introduction. Ponseti method commonly accepted as the optimal approach to management of congenital clubfoot. Continuing with alternative methods should considered as malpractice. Aim: to assess causes of non-optimal treatment of congenital clubfoot in children.Materials and methods: Assessment group included 60 patients treated earlier in other clinics with non-optimal results. Control group included 60 patients treated in our clinic by Ponseti method. We used case history analysis and parents’ interviewing.Results. Family history of clubfoot and prenatal diagnosis positively influenced on the choice of Ponseti method. Primary consultancy of orthopedist and Internet search were main factors for choosing Ponseti method after birth. In contrast, the methods lead to non-optimal results chosen after maternity home and pediatricians.Conclusion. Main cause of non-optimal results of congenital clubfoot treatment is the lack of information regarding current approaches among non-orthopedic physicians, which emphasizes necessity of adequate informational support.