Post-ponseti bracing compliance in Egyptian population during treatment of idiopathic talipes equinovarus

Abstract

Background Several factors may play a role in influencing family acceptance of brace protocol after successful initial correction of talipes equinovarus by Ponseti method.Patients and methods A total of 40 children presented with relapsed sixty idiopathic talipes equinovarus were included. Their age ranged from 8 to 24 months, with a mean of 16 months. Twenty patients (40 clubfeet) (66.6%) were bilaterally affected, and 20 patients (20 club feet) (33.3%) were unilaterally affected. The patients comprised 25 (60%) boys and 15 (40%) girls. Pirani score was used to assess the relapse and severity. Several factors affecting bracing compliance in Egyptian population were studied and analyzed.Results The number of children per family, the ability of one parent alone to apply the brace, residence of parents, the baby’s compliance, bracing hour compliance, and parents get fed up early from using the brace had statistically significant relation with brace noncompliance.Conclusion Proper instructions, education, and encouragement to the parents in the proper use of the postcorrective brace are crucial factors for success of clubfoot treatment by Ponseti method.