Success of Ponseti Method in Idiopathic Club Feet of <2 Years and 2-5 years of age – A Comparative Study

Background: The Ponseti technique is the gold standard for treatment of clubfoot. However, the data in walking children is still limited and results are ill defined. Aim: We prospectively compared Ponseti method in clubfoot patients aged <2 and between 2 to 5 years in our local scenario. Methods: A total of 40 patients were included in the study through non-probability purposive sampling. The patients were examined, classified (Goldner and Fitch classification) and demographic information was recorded. They were explained about the risk and informed consent was taken. In group A, patients were below 2 years of age while in group B, patients were between 2-5 years of age. Ponseti casting was performed by a designated team. Follow-up was done for 6 months from the correction of feet. Results: We received 27(67.5%) male and 13(32.5%) female patients .The male to female ratio was 2:1. The mean age of patients in group A and B was 0.8±0.70 years and 4.3±2.1 years respectively. There was no statistical difference of severity of deformity of clubfoot in both study groups, p-value>0.05. In group A, 17 (85%) patients had success of procedure while in group B the success was achieved in 11 (55%) patients. The success rate was statistically significantly higher in group-A as compared to group B, p-value<0.001 Conclusion: Patient aged <2 years have significantly higher success rate as compared to patients aged between 2-5 years. So we recommend the Ponseti method as standard therapy in clubfoot management for patients with age<2 years and for correction of mild and moderate deformities in patients between 2 to 5 years. Keywords: Clubfoot, Congenital talipes equinovarus, Ponseti method

Paediatric and neonatal anaesthesia

This chapter discusses the anaesthetic management of the neonate, infant and child. It begins with a description of neonatal physiology, then discusses fluid management, anaesthetic equipment and the conduct of anaesthesia in children, including postoperative analgesia. Regional anaesthetic techniques in children are discussed, including caudal, epidural, spinal and regional nerve blocks. Surgical procedures covered include repair of diaphragmatic hernia; gastroschisis/exomphalos; tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF); patent ductus arteriosus (PDA); pyloric stenosis; intussusception; herniotomy; circumcision; hypospadias repair; orchidopexy; cleft lip and palate; congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV); femoral osteotomy, and inhaled foreign body. It includes a discussion of paediatric sedation, paediatric medical problems, paediatric advanced life support, resuscitation of the neonate, the collapsed septic child, stabilisation of the critically ill child, and paediatric drug doses and equipment.

Comparative analysis of weight-bearing function of lower extremities in children with recurrences of congenital equinovarus clubfoot after surgical treatment by «traditional» methods and Ponseti method

Congenital equinovarus clubfoot (EVC) is the second most common congenital anomaly of the musculoskeletal system in children and one of the most common causes of childhood disability in Ukraine. The frequency of EVC reaches 1–3 cases per 1 000 newborns (35–40 % of all foot deformities). Objective. To determine the features of the children ability with EVC recurrences, before and after surgical treatment by «traditional» methods and Ponseti method. Methods. Biomechanical examinations of 65 children with EVC recurrences were performed. They were divided into two groups: group I (33 patients) — treated by «traditional» methods, which provided initial surgery, in order to completely correct all components of the deformity; group II (32 patients) — treatment by Ponseti method. Weight-bearing function was studied for all patients, before treatment, after 6 and 12 months after surgery, with statography. Results. It was determined that the standing parameters in the groups were not statistically different. After 6 months after the treatment, according to the statograms, the weight-bearing displacement remained, under the conditions of two weight-bearing standing towards the contralateral limb, in both groups of patients. In group I, after treatment, this parameter did not change (p = 0.924), and in group II it decreased by (2.7 ± 4.7) % (p = 0.013). Weight-bearing on the operated limb in both groups, in 12 months from surgery increased by 45 %. Conclusions. In patients, after treatment of EVC recurrences by Ponseti method, the weight-bearing function indicators, in the case of two weight-bearing standing, changed statistically significant. During the recovery process, when patients began to load the operated foot, a slight deterioration of standing parameters was observed in patients of group I in 6 months from surgery. In patients of group II, a complete restoration of statographic parameters occurred earlier, in 6 months, a normalization of weight-bearing and stability was observed. Thus, it can be argued that the use of Ponseti method in the complex treatment of EVC allows to restore the ability of weight bearing much earlier than with the «traditional» method. Key words. Congenital talipes equinovarus, children, Ponseti method, statography.

Determining Reasons Affecting the Late Treatment of Congenital Talipes Equinovarus: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND: Neglected congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) is a serious problem commonly found in developing countries. This deformity has fatal impacts, including disabilities and educational limitations. Moreover, cases of neglected CTEV are still frequent in Indonesia as one of the developing countries. Thus, this study aims to investigate the reasons behind the late treatment of CTEV. METHODS: This is a qualitative study conducted throughout September 2019. The subjects are six parents of patients with neglected CTEV who are currently being treated in our hospital. The study was conducted by performing an in-depth interview with the patient&rsquo;s parents to analyze why they delay checking their child to an orthopaedic surgeon. The results were then grouped into themes. RESULTS: The reasons for the delay were multifactorial. Four subjects had more than one reason why they delayed checking their child to an orthopaedic surgeon. The reason for the delay were socioeconomic factors (3 subjects), medical-related problems (3 subjects), intentionally delayed or refused to seek medical care (2 subjects), and misinformation from the previous physician (3 subjects). CONCLUSIONS: The reasons for the late treatment of CTEV were socioeconomic factors, medical-related problems, intentional factors, and misinformation.

Ponseti method for treatment of idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus at tertiary care center in India

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Different treatment methods were tried with variable success rates but Ponseti method of serial casting and manipulation stood apart due to better understanding of foot biomechanics and became accepted choice of treatment worldwide.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 50 patients were enrolled in the study out of which 40 were available for final follow-up. We studied 40 cases during October 2018 to December 2020 at Government Medical College, Aurangabad. Out of 40 cases 31 were male and 9 were female. 25 were unilateral and 15 were bilateral. All cases were idiopathic. 4 inches Plaster of Paris (POP) bandages were cut into half and such 2 inches POP bandages were used for casting. Tenotomies were performed under controlled environment of Operation Theater with general anaesthesia. Number 12 surgical blade was used. Dennis-Browne splint was used for maintenance of correction.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Out of total 55 feet studied, 10 feet (18.18%) required tendo Achilles tenotomy and 45 feet (81.82%) were treated with casting alone. There were 8 cases of relapses (20%). All relapsed cases were treated with repeat casting as per Ponseti protocol and none of them required repeat tenotomy. Complications related to plaster were minimal and there were no incidence of rocker bottom deformity.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> We conclude that in a low income developing country like India where case load is very high; Ponseti method is effective, inexpensive form of treatment with minimal complications. Need for extensive soft tissue procedures vastly reduced with this method.</p>

Clubfoot: current concept of treatment

Introduction Idiopathic clubfoot (IC), also referred to as congenital talipes equinovarus, is one of the most common lower limb deformities observed in newborns, leading to significant functional impairment when left untreated. Early minimally invasive treatment has been praised as one of the most successful practice of modern pediatric orthopedics. This review aims to report current knowledge and controversies about clubfoot treatment. Material and methods We describe the main trends in clubfoot managing, identifying peculiarities, difficulties and prognostic factors related to the treatment. Results Many treatment techniques either conservative, surgical or hybrid have been used over the past decades. Based on good and excellent results during long-term follow-up, Ponseti method has been globally accepted by paediatric orthopaedic surgeons as standard method of treatment. However, some other conservative methods are still widely applied in the clinical setting, such as the French Physical Therapy method. Adherence to the bracing protocol is critical for the long-term success of the treatment, being a better predictor for relapse than severity of the deformity at birth. Conclusions Taking care of the manipulation and casting details by trained professionals, together with enhancing the child and patents’ adherence to the brace, are essential for the success of conservative treatment. Surgery should be performed only when strictly needed, preferably on a “a la carte” approach.