Functional Outcome of Modified Steen Beek Foot Abduction Brace in the Maintenance of Corrected Congenital Talipes Equino Varus by Ponseti Method

Abstract

Background: Clubfoot, or Congenital Talipes Equino Varus (CTEV), is a congenital deformity of the foot that occurs more commonly in males. Non-surgical treatment is possible, with the Ponseti method being one of the most popular techniques. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Modified Steen Beek Foot Abduction Brace (FAB) in maintaining the correction of CTEV in children less than two years old. Methodology: This research study was carried out at APPNA Rehabilitation Institute of Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi, where 29 patients who were given the Ponseti treatment were purposively sampled. Only samples of children up to the age of 2.5 years with idiopathic CTEV were taken. Assessment on the first visit was recorded using the Pirani score system and again after intervention. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0, where descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were applied. Results: Of the 29 patients, 26 completed the intervention. The average initial Pirani scores were 2.50 for the right foot and 2.00 for the left; they improved to 0.19 and 0.15 after the intervention. The change in the Pirani score was statistically significant (p<0.000). Compliance with bracing was 84.6%, while skin blistering occurred in 19.2% of the cases. A correction was maintained in 88% of the cases. Conclusion: The Modified Steen Beek FAB is an effective brace in maintaining the corrected CTEV using the Ponseti method. Early diagnosis and proper material selection, proper sizing of the braces, and detailed counselling of the parents are paramount for the effective management of bracing. Keywords: Bracing, Club Foot, Compliance, Ponseti Method.