Ponseti method for treatment of congenital club foot

Abstract

Objective In the present study we aimed to present the experience with the Ponseti technique for correcting club foot deformity in children at the Al-Gamhuria Teaching Hospital Aden, Yemen. Patients and methods The current study was a prospective study for the treatment of idiopathic club foot deformities, grades II, III and IV. The study was carried out at Al-Gamhuria Teaching Hospital, Aden City, Yemen. A total number of 122 feet, of 72 patients, were treated (50 bilateral and 22 unilateral). Out of 72 patients, 47 were boys and 25 were girls. The mean age was 6 months (range 2 weeks-38 months). The patients had not received any treatment prior to this. The patients had manipulation casting in accordance with the Ponseti technique. Percutaneous Achilles tenotomy was performed in the presence of persistent equinus. Maintenance of correction was obtained with the use of a locally custom-made orthopedic shoe. The mean follow-up period was 21 months (range 10-46 months). Results A total of 103 feet (84%) were treated successfully using the Ponseti method of casting with locally custom-made orthopedic shoes. Nineteen feet had relapse of one or more of the deformities. They required either further casting or surgeries. Conclusion The Ponseti method proved efficient in correcting the idiopathic congenital club foot deformities, and that the problem of abduction brace can be overcome by using physiotherapy and orthopedic shoes designed for club foot.