Results of clubfoot treatment after manipulation and casting using the Ponseti method: experience in Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Abstractobjectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the Ponseti manipulation and casting method for clubfoot in a tertiary hospital in Zimbabwe and explore predictors of these outcomes.methods A cohort study included children with idiopathic clubfoot managed from 2011 to 2013 at Parirenyatwa Hospital. Demographic data, clinical features and treatment outcomes were extracted from clinic records. The primary outcome measure was the final Pirani score (clubfoot severity measure) after manipulation and casting. Secondary outcomes included change in Pirani score (pretreatment to end of casting), number of casts for correction, proportion receiving tenotomy and proportion lost to follow up.results A total of 218 children (337 feet) were eligible for inclusion. The median age at treatment was 8 months; 173 children (268 feet) completed casting treatment within the study period. The mean length of time for corrective treatment was 10.2 weeks (9.5-10.9 weeks). Of the 45 children who did not complete treatment, 28 were under treatment and 17 were lost to follow up. A Pirani score of 1 or less was achieved in 85% of feet. Mean Pirani score at presentation was 3.80 (SD 1.15) and post-treatment 0.80 (SD 0.56, P-value <0.0001). Severity of deformity and being male were associated with a higher (worse) final Pirani score. Severity and age over two were associated with an increase in the number of casts required to correct deformity.conclusion This case series demonstrates that the majority (80%+) of children with clubfoot can achieve a good outcome with the Ponseti manipulation and casting method.

Evaluation of outcome of treatment of idiopathic clubfoot by ponseti technique of manipulation and serial plaster casting

“…The average number of castings used to correct the deformity was 6.5 times (range: 4 to 12). It was more than Pulak S. et al [21] (3 to 10 casts, average 4.9) but was less than Ponseti et al [24] (average 7.6 casts) and Tracey Smythe et al [23] (average 7.27 casts) studies. Morcuende [25] reported that 90.0% of the patients required five or fewer casts.…”

“…11 (21.15%) cases presented within six weeks after birth and 34 (65.38%) cases within 6 months. In Tracey Smythe et al [23] previous family history was present in 10.5% cases. In our series, 38 (73.07%) patients required less than 8 casts for correction, with 2 patients requiring 12 casts.…”

“…Parent's satisfaction regarding gait and foot appearence were complete in 47 (90.38%) cases, quite in 3 (5.76%), relative in 2 (3.84%), and no satisfaction in 0 (0%). T. Smythe et al [23] achieved Pirani score of 1 or less in 85% of feet. J.…”

Evaluation of outcome in idiopathic clubfoot managed by accelerated ponseti method

“…The average number of castings used to correct the deformity was 6.41 times (range: 4 to 12). It was more than Pulak S. et al [21] (3 to 10 casts, average 4.9) but was less than Ponseti et al [24] (average 7.6 casts) and Tracey Smythe et al [23] (average 7.27 casts) studies. Morcuende [25] reported that 90.0% of the patients required five or fewer casts.…”

“…A Pirani score of 1 or less was achieved in 80.6% of feet. T. Smythe et al [23] achieved Pirani score of 1 or less in 85% of feet. J.…”