Ponseti method as a treatment option for neglected clubfoot: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Congenital clubfoot is a common congenital malformation, whose conservative treatment using the Ponseti method achieves excellent initial correction rates and good long-term results. On the other hand, neglected clubfeet, which are typically more frequent in underdeveloped and developing countries, pose treatment difficulties and render corrective surgery necessary. The main problems with correction are raised by the increasing stiffness present in the soft tissues and the dy splastic development of bones. Furthermore, the hyperlaxity of young children decreases with growth, contributing to the reduced overall elasticity of the affected soft tissues and clubfeet. Deciding upon which type of treatment would be appropriate is not always facile. In our clinic, we tend to start the treatment of neglected clubfeet with the modified Ponseti method, which can achieve partial correction or full correction in most cases, diminishing the need for extensive surgical procedures. The case report of a long time neglected bilateral cl ubfoot successfully corrected using the modified Ponseti method is presented below, followed by a relevant review of the literature.