Predicting the Need for Tenotomy in the Management of Idiopathic Clubfoot by the Ponseti Method

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the role of Pirani scoring system for predicting the treatment of idiopathic clubfoot with the Ponseti technique. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. The records of 132 idiopathic clubfeet of patients treated by the Ponseti method and scored by the Pirani system between May 2007 and September 2015 were analyzed. Result: Of the 132 feet, 101 (76.5%) feet of the patients required tenotomy. The mean number of casts required was significantly higher (P = 0.033) for the group that required tenotomy (5.53 ± 1.6 casts) than the group that did not require tenotomy (4.87 ± 0.9 casts). Conclusion: The initial Pirani score is predictive of the number of casts that may be required and the need for a tenotomy of the Achilles tendon.