Initial severity rating of idiopathic clubfeet is an outcome predictor at age two years

Abstract

This study was performed to determine if rating the severity of clubfeet before Ponseti treatment was predictive of the outcomes at age two years. Four hundred and seventy-nine idiopathic clubfeet (323 patients) were numerically rated for severity using Dimeglio classification. Eighty-six feet rated moderate, 305 feet rated severe, and 88 feet rated very severe. Outcomes were classified as Good (plantigrade foot with or without a tendoachilles lengthening), Fair (limited surgery), or Poor (posteromedial release). Significant correlation existed between initial severity of the foot and outcomes, with moderate better than severe and very severe, and severe better than very severe. Initial numerical severity rating strongly correlated with the probability of a good outcome (P<0.0001). Evaluating the severity of clubfeet before Ponseti treatment provides prognostic information for parents.