Recurrent Clubfoot Research Articles

Does initial Pirani score and age influence number of Ponseti casts in children?

The prediction of number of casts in the Ponseti method has always remained a subject of interest. We investigated the correlation of the number of casts before tenotomy with the age and initial Pirani score in Ponseti treatment of club foot. Inclusion criteria were idiopathic clubfeet corrected by Ponseti method requiring tenotomy for equinus correction in children up to ten years of age. Defaulters (noncompliance with serial casting schedule), children with postural, non idiopathic, previously surgically treated, recurrent clubfoot and clubfoot not requiring tenotomy were not included in this study. Further, children who did not require tenotomy were also excluded. ANOVA regression analysis was used for finding correlation between initial Pirani score, age in months and number of corrective casts prior to tenotomy. There were a total of 297 children (442 feet) in the study. The average age of the child at presentation was 10.3 months and the average initial Pirani score was 4.8. The average number of corrective casts was seven per child (range, two to18). The regression analysis showed both Pirani and age had positive correlation with number of casts, although weak (r2 = 0.05-0.20). The initial Pirani scoring correlated ten times more than age (in months) to the number of casts. The number of casts for correction in idiopathic clubfoot, although variable, is influenced by both initial Pirani score and age.

Therapie des Rezidivklumpfußes und residueller Deformitäten nach kongenitalem Klumpfuß

Relapse and residual deformity after treatment of congenital clubfoot are common problems. Recurrences occur in up to 48 % of cases after successful initial treatment using Ponseti's technique. By casting and anterior tibial tendon transfer as recommended by Ponseti a flexible and well functioning foot can be achieved in most cases. Neglected clubfoot remains a demanding challenge. Depending on the severity of the deformity, the impairment of function and patient age, conservative and/or different operative treatment options can be considered. Manipulation and casting according to Ponseti is also recommended in toddlers with relapses even after peritalar joint release. Thus the need and extent of operative treatment can be reduced. Additional osteotomy may be indicated in more rigid feet and older children. An accurate evaluation of the existing deformity and functional impairment is mandatory for the individual choice of treatment. The number of previous operative procedures reduces the amount of improvement and mobility of the foot. Therefore, the best and most efficient treatment for recurrent clubfoot is prevention in the form of consistent primary treatment, consistently wearing braces and regular follow-up examinations.

THE ERRORS, COMPLICATIONS AND MEASURES FOR ITS PREVENTION IN THE TREATMENT OF SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN WITH CONGENITAL RECURRENT CLUBFOOT BY ILIZAROV METHOD

Objective. To analyze the errors and complications of treatment of school age children with congenital recurrent clubfoot, treated in RISC «RTO» by transosseous osteosyntesis. Material and methods. Within the period of 1999-2010 119 patients (148 feet) between the ages of 7 to 18 years with congenital recurrent clubfoot were treated by the Ilizarovs method. Patients of this group, along with holding the wires on the shin and foot, corresponding to the Ilizarov fixator assembly, received surgical procedures on soft tissue, osteotomy and stabilizing operations. Results. In the course of treatment complications were observed in 22 patients, accounted for 18.5% of the total number of patients. All complications were typical for transosseous osteosynthesis, eliminated during a course of treatment and did not affect his final result. Conclusion. Adherence to the methodical principles of transosseous osteosynthesis by Ilizarov in the surgical treatment of patients of school age with recurrent congenital clubfoot and rational management of patients in the postoperative period is the prevention of complications and contributes to achieving good results.

Nerve Structures at Risk in the Plantar Side of the Foot During Anterior Tibial Tendon Transfer

Anterior tibial tendon transfer is a common procedure for treatment of clubfoot recurrence. Fixation of the tendon usually includes passing the tendon through the lateral cuneiform. Drilling the bone and passing sutures through the plantar aspect of the foot may cause neurovascular damage. Anterior tibial tendon transfer was performed through the lateral cuneiform in twelve cadaveric limbs. Drill holes were made perpendicular to the lateral cuneiform surface (group A), made perpendicular to the weight-bearing surface (group B), inclined 15° in the frontal and sagittal planes (group C), or aimed at the middle of the plantar aspect of the foot (group D). Two unmodified Keith needles and two blunted Keith needles were each passed ten times per foot. A dissection was performed. The average distance from the drill hole to the nerve structures and the number of punctures of nerve structures were reported. In group A, the drill hole was 1.7 mm from a medial plantar nerve branch and 5 mm from the nerve bifurcation. In group B, the hole was 0.3 mm from a branch of the lateral plantar nerve and 25.3 mm from the lateral plantar nerve bifurcation. The drill hole in group C was 1.7 mm from the lateral plantar nerve bifurcation. In group D, the drill direction resulted in an inclination of 22° in the frontal plane and 4° in the sagittal plane. The drill exited 7.7 mm from a medial plantar nerve branch and 4.3 mm from a lateral plantar nerve branch. The medial and lateral plantar nerve bifurcations were at a distance of 13 mm and 14.7 mm, respectively, from the drill hole in group D. Unmodified Keith needles punctured nerve structures twelve times in group A, twenty times in group B, six times in group C, and once in group D. Use of blunted Keith needles resulted in no nerve punctures. When anchoring the transferred anterior tibial tendon in the lateral cuneiform for the treatment of clubfoot recurrence, the drill should be aimed at the middle of the plantar surface of the foot to minimize the risk of nerve damage. Passing the sutures with a blunt needle might prevent damage to nerves or vessels when anterior tibial tendon transfer to the lateral cuneiform is performed for the treatment of clubfoot recurrence.

Persistent clubfoot deformity following treatment by the Ponseti method

The Ponseti method of clubfoot correction is now widely practiced worldwide. Initial correction rates are nearly 100%, but subsequent relapses may occur in up to one-third of patients. Very little has been written by anyone other than Dr Ponseti about the characterization and treatment of recurrent clubfoot deformity following use of the Ponseti method. This review paper is the first one which draws together the current literature on the topic.

Комплексное лечение детей старшей возрастной группы с врожденной косолапостью

The results of treatment of 100 patients in age from 13 to 18 years who were in the institution for reconstruction of foot deformities were analyzed. The complex treatment of children with recurrent clubfoot and secondary foot deformities in adolescence consists in reconstruction of tendon-ligamentous and bony structures of the foot with the use, if it is indicated, of external fixation devices with simultaneous intensive physiotherapy aimed at improving of microcirculation and bone formation as well as correction of mineral metabolism.

Follow up of complete subtalar release for clubfoot—Evolution of different scores

Even today there are still some cases of clubfoot that require a more extensive form of treatment. Thus, it is still essential to ascertain the development of the clubfoot after extensive release operations. 70 children presenting 99 cases of primary clubfoot (age 8 months-10 years) were followed up after 4.5 and 9 years following complete subtalar release. Function, clinical and radiological results as well as 3 scores were assessed at both dates. Function and pain worsened between the two follow-up periods, whereas objective clinical and radiological results remained equivalent. 44-79% were rated good or excellent depending on the scoring system applied.Older children with primary clubfoot had comparable results to children operated on at a younger age; also pre-operated feet achieved similar results. In our opinion the results justify keeping complete release in mind as an alternative method in cases of severe residual and recurrent clubfoot.

Long-Term Result of Complex Treatment for Recurrent Congenital Club Foot (Case Report)

An example of successful complex treatment of 8 years old patient with severe recurrent club foot is presented. Treatment included surgical restoration of osteoarticular interrelations in the foot and elimination of muscle imbalance. For the restoration of shin muscles' reciprocal interrelations and formation of proper motor skill, training of muscles according to the method of functional biocontrol was applied. Treatment result was assessed after 3 years: no deformity relapse was observed, function of the extremity was completely compensated.

On Pathogenesis of Recurrent Club Foot

Complex study of motor skills in children with congenital club foot was performed at CITO laboratory of clinical physiology and biomechanics, and clinic of pediatric orthopaedics. Subjects for electrophysiological and biomechanical examination were 34 patients with congenital unilateral club foot (19 boys and 15 girls) aged from 3 to 16 years. Intact extremity indices were used for comparison. Study in open biokinematic contour mode on the affected side showed decrease in voluntary bioelectric activity of anterior tibial muscle by 34-60% and gastrocnemius muscle by 7-19%. Spectrum analysis of EMG and computed mechanography showed the decrease of tonic fibers activity in peroneal muscles of the lower leg with its increase in posterior group of muscles. Stabilometry and study of gate parameters on the affected side showed synergetic type of anterior and posterior muscles interaction with preservation of antagonistic type in the normal extremity. Suprasegmentary pattern of affection (lesion) was detected by method of stimulation electromyography. The data obtained confirm the influence of pathologic motor skill on the development of deformity recurrences at surgical treatment of children with congenital club foot.

Recurrent club-foot deformity following previous soft-tissue release

The results of further soft-tissue release of 79 feet in 60 children with recurrent idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus were evaluated. The mean age of the children at the time of re-operation was 5.8 years (15 months to 14.5 years). Soft-tissue release was performed in all 79 feet and combined with distal calcaneal excision in 52 feet. The mean follow-up was 12 years (4 to 32). At the latest follow-up the result was excellent or good in 61 feet (77%) according to the Ghanem and Seringe scoring system. The results was considered as fair in 14 feet (18%), all of whom had functional problems and eight had anatomical abnormalities. Four feet (5%) were graded as poor on both functional and anatomical grounds. The results were independent of the age at which revision was undertaken.

Complete subtalar release for older children who had recurrent clubfoot deformity

Neglected idiopathic clubfoot deformities, and severe recurrent deformity after previous surgery presents technical difficulties for correction and challenges for surgeons to achieve primary skin closure. Between 2000 and 2006, 18 children (30 feet), had complete subtalar release (CSTR) for failed previous surgery in 28 feet and severe neglected congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) in 2 feet followed by cross leg fasciocutaneous flaps for reconstruction of residual defect at the ankle and foot after full correction of the deformity. Mean patients followed up were 4.5 years (average 2-8 years). 23 feet were classified as Dimeglio III and 7 feet as Dimeglio IV. All cases achieved a plantigrade foot, better walking ability (p<0.03), and parental satisfaction with the result (p<0.001). Ankle joint doriflexion increased from mean (-21.33 degrees ) preoperatively to (12.5 degrees ) postoperatively. All cases showed postoperative improvement in their radiographic findings. The mean preoperative talocalcaneal angle increased from (15.7 degrees to 30.03 degrees ). The talo-first metararsal angle improved from a preoperative mean of -16 degrees mean of 5.53 degrees postoperatively. At the final follow-up cosmetically acceptable plantigrade foot was achieved in all feet. Four legs (14.28%) developed hypertrophic scars at the donar flap site. One patient developed 1.5cm marginal necrosis of the flap, which did heal after debridement by secondary intention. None of the feet had recurrence at the final follow up. Despite the enormous improvement clinically and radiologically, their was no statistical significant difference between preoperative and postoperative radiological angles (p<0.069). The number of previous surgical interventions had no influence on the outcome. All the previously treated feet had inadequate release of important tethered soft tissue. This is indicative of the enormous value of complete subtalar release combined with cross leg fasciocutaneous flap without the need for bony intervention in previously operated failed feet or neglected deformities.

Is it Possible to Treat Recurrent Clubfoot with the Ponseti Technique After Posteromedial Release?: A Preliminary Study

The Ponseti technique for treating clubfoot has been popularized for idiopathic clubfoot and more recently several syndromic causes of clubfoot. We asked whether it could be used to treat recurrent clubfoot following failed posteromedial release. We retrospectively reviewed 58 children (83 clubfeet) treated by the Ponseti technique for recurrent deformity after posteromedial release in three centers. The minimum followup was 24 months (average, 45 months; range, 24-80 months). We determined initial and final Pirani scores and range of motion of the ankle and subtalar joint. Plantigrade and fully corrected feet were obtained in 71 feet (86%); 11 feet obtained partial correction; one patient failed treatment and underwent another posteromedial release. Recurrences occurred in nine patients (12 feet or 14%). Initial Pirani scores improved in all but one patient; severity of deformity was also inferred by number of casts used for treatment. The age at treatment and numbers of casts did not influence the scores of Pirani et al. The scores were similar among the three orthopaedic surgeons. Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Recurrent Clubfoot: Can Gait Analysis Help Us Make Better Preoperative Decisions?

Gait patterns in children with recurrent clubfoot are often associated with more or less subtle factors contributing to the patterns, such as tibial torsion that might not be detected by visual observation and therefore not considered in a treatment plan. We therefore used gait analysis to elucidate the contributions to recurrent clubfoot deformity and to determine whether gait analysis could be important in preoperative decision-making for these patients. We reviewed all 35 patients (56 feet) referred to our gait laboratory for recurrent deformity following treatment of idiopathic clubfoot. The average age of the children in our series was 6.7 years (range, 3.6-15.4 years). Data were acquired from computerized motion analysis, dynamic electromyography, and static measurements by a physical therapist. We found a high incidence of transverse plane deformities including intoeing in 45 of 56 feet (80%), internal tibial torsion in 40 of 56 feet (71%), and forefoot adductus in 40 of 56 feet (71%). Forty feet were supinated in stance; of these patients, 28 (70%) had overactive tibialis anterior muscle activity based on dynamic EMG. Dynamic compensatory hip external rotation was present in 28 of 56 (50%) of limbs. Thirty of the 35 patients underwent surgery following gait analysis; the most common procedures included split anterior tibial tendon transfers (34), tibial derotational osteotomies (34), and midfoot osteotomies (20). Quantitative gait analysis resulted in 28 changed procedures in 19 of 30 patients (63%) compared to prestudy surgical plans. Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Short-term experience with Ponseti casting and the Achilles tenotomy method for clubfeet treatment in arthrogryposis multiplex congenita

This study presents our experience with the Ponseti method of manipulation and casting followed by Achilles tenotomy (AT) in children with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC). Five children (ten feet) were followed for at least 24 months after the AT and are the cohort for this study. Their mean age at follow-up was 38.4 months (26 to 48 months), and the average follow-up period was 35.8 months (24-44 months). Treatment was begun within the first months of life. The AT to correct rigid equinus was performed at a mean of 14.4 weeks of life, after 7-10 cast changes (mean 8.4). Clinical criteria by Niki et al. and standard standing AP and lateral radiographs were analyzed for final evaluation. Efficacy of Ponseti casting and AT tenotomy was assessed according to the amount and continuance of the achieved correction. Seven feet had clinically satisfactory results. Among the three unsatisfactory feet, there were two (one child) with rocker-bottom pseudocorrections after repeated bilateral AT and one recurrent clubfoot (one child). Six feet required soft tissue releases at 3, 12 and 21 months after the AT due to recurrence of moderate equinus and adductus. Three feet (two children) underwent repeat AT at 10 and 15 months after the primary procedure. The mean interval between initial AT and redo surgical procedures was 11.8 months (range 3-21 months). Two feet (20%) remained without significant deformity after AT. Clubfoot in AMC responds initially to the Ponseti method of casting, and deformity may be corrected or diminished. In some children, more extensive surgical treatment can be avoided and in others, delayed. Despite the need for additional surgical intervention, the Ponseti method of casting and AT does seem to be an alternative for initial treatment in children with AMC.

Early Results of the Ponseti Method for the Treatment of Clubfoot in Distal Arthrogryposis

Clubfoot occurs in approximately one in 1000 live births and is one of the most common congenital birth defects. Although there have been several reports of successful treatment of idiopathic clubfoot with the Ponseti method, the use of this method for the treatment of other forms of clubfoot has not been reported. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the early results of the Ponseti method when used for the treatment of clubfoot associated with distal arthrogryposis. Twelve consecutive infants (twenty-four feet) with clubfoot deformity associated with distal arthrogryposis were managed with the Ponseti method and were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum of two years. The severity of the foot deformity was classified according to the grading system of Diméglio et al. The number of casts required to achieve correction was compared with published data for the treatment of idiopathic clubfoot. Recurrent clubfoot deformities or complications during treatment were recorded. Twenty-two clubfeet in eleven patients were classified as Diméglio grade IV, and two clubfeet in one patient were classified as Diméglio grade II. Initial correction was achieved in all clubfeet with a mean of 6.9 +/- 2.1 casts (95% confidence interval, 5.6 to 8.3 casts), which was significantly greater than the mean of 4.5 +/- 1.2 casts (95% confidence interval, 4.3 to 4.7 casts) needed in a cohort of 219 idiopathic clubfeet that were treated during the same time period by the senior author with use of the Ponseti method (p = 0.002). Six feet in three patients had a relapse after initial successful treatment. All relapses were related to noncompliance with prescribed brace wear. Four relapsed clubfeet in two patients were successfully treated with repeat casting and/or tenotomy; the remaining two relapsed clubfeet in one patient were treated with extensive soft-tissue-release operations. Our early-term results support the use of the Ponseti method for the initial treatment of distal arthrogrypotic clubfoot deformity. Longer follow-up will be necessary to assess the risk of recurrence and the potential need for corrective clubfoot surgery in this patient population, which historically has been difficult to treat nonoperatively.

Use of the Ponseti method for recurrent clubfoot following posteromedial release.

Background:A child with recurrent or incompletely corrected clubfoot after previous extensive soft tissue release is treated frequently with revision surgery. This leads to further scarring, pain and limitations in range of motion. We have utilized the Ponseti method of manipulation and casting and when indicated, tibialis anterior tendon transfer, instead of revision surgery for these cases.Materials and Methods:A retrospective review of all children treated since 2002 (n = 11) at our institution for recurrent or incompletely corrected clubfoot after previous extensive soft tissue release was done. Clinical and operative records were reviewed to determine procedure performed. Ponseti manipulation and casting were done until the clubfoot deformity was passively corrected. Based on the residual equinus and dynamic deformity, heel cord lengthening or tenotomy and tibialis anterior transfer were then done. Clinical outcomes regarding pain, function and activity were reviewed.Results:Eleven children (17 feet) with ages ranging from 1.1 to 8.4 years were treated with this protocol. All were correctable with the Ponseti method with one to eight casts. Casts were applied until the only deformities remaining were either or both hindfoot equinus and dynamic supination. Nine feet required a heel cord procedure for equinus and 15 required tibialis anterior transfer for dynamic supination. Seven children have follow-up greater than one year (average 27.1 months) and have had excellent results. Two patients had persistent hindfoot valgus which required hemiepiphyseodesis of the distal medial tibia.Conclusion:The Ponseti method, followed by tibialis anterior transfer and/or heel cord procedure when indicated, can be successfully used to correct recurrent clubfoot deformity in children treated with previous extensive soft tissue release. Early follow-up has shown correction without revision surgery. This treatment protocol prevents complications of stiffness, pain and difficulty in ambulating associated with multiple soft tissue releases for clubfeet.

A New Dynamic Foot Abduction Orthosis for Clubfoot Treatment

Recurrent clubfoot deformity after successful initial correction with the use of the Ponseti method continues to be a common problem and is often caused by noncompliance with wear of the traditional foot abduction brace. The purpose of this study was to assess the results of a newly designed dynamic foot abduction orthosis in terms of (1) parental compliance and (2) effectiveness in preventing recurrent clubfoot deformities. Twenty-eight patients (49 clubfeet) who were treated with a dynamic foot abduction orthosis in accordance with the Ponseti method were included in this study. Of the 28 patients, 18 had idiopathic clubfeet (31 clubfeet), 2 had complex idiopathic clubfeet (4 clubfeet), 5 had myelodysplasia (8 clubfeet), and 3 were syndromic (6 clubfeet). The mean duration of follow-up was 29 months (range, 24-36 months). Noncompliance was reported in only 2 (7.1%) of the 28 patients in the new orthosis compared with the authors' previously reported 41% (21/51) noncompliance rate in patients treated with the use of the traditional foot abduction brace. The two patients in this study, in which parents were noncompliant with orthosis wear, developed recurrent deformities. There were 2 patients (7%) who experienced skin blistering in the new orthosis compared with 12 (23.5%) of 51 patients who experienced blistering with the use of traditional abduction brace in the authors' previously reported study. Logistic regression modeling compliance and recurrence revealed that noncompliance with the foot abduction orthosis was most predictive of recurrence of deformity (odds ratio, 27; 95% confidence interval, 2.2-326; P = 0.01). The articulating foot abduction orthosis is well tolerated by patients and parents and results in a higher compliance rate and a lower complication rate than what were observed with the traditional foot abduction orthosis.

Calcaneal derotation osteotomy for clubfoot revision surgery

To describe a derotation calcaneal osteotomy technique and assess its efficacy in the correction of relapsed clubfoot. Twenty-one osteotomies were performed in 20 children with recurrent clubfoot. Nineteen children had been previously treated operatively. The derotation osteotomy was the first procedure performed in one case. The procedure combined medial and plantar releases, followed by a curvilinear osteotomy of the calcaneus. Patients were evaluated clinically and with standing dorsoplantar and lateral radiographs preoperatively, postoperatively and at follow-up. The talocalcaneal angle was considered as the most important criteria to evaluate the deformity correction. The clubfoot was idiopathic in 16 cases and neurological in five cases. Mean age at surgery was 7 years old (range 3.4-12 years). Total number of procedures per foot averaged 2.4 (range 4-1). The mean postoperative follow-up period was 2.8 years (range 2-6 years). The talocalcaneal angle increased significantly after the procedure (P<0.001), and no significant loss of correction was seen at latest follow-up (P=0.17). Two scarring complications occurred. Only one foot underwent further surgery after the calcaneal osteotomy for residual forefoot adduction, associated to a cavus and severe fibrosis. The calcaneal curvilinear osteotomy, in which the calcaneoforefoot unit derotation is performed around the talus but within the calcaneus, is a safe and efficient technique that can be proposed for clubfoot revision surgery.

Correction of Severe Recurrent Clubfoot Using a Simplified Setting of the Ilizarov Device

Severe recurrent clubfoot deformities are challenging to treat. The Ilizarov method offers a safer alternative; however, the management of the device is complex. A simplified standard setting of the Ilizarov device was used to treat 29 patients (35 feet) with a mean age of 14 years with severely stiff recurrent clubfoot deformities and large scars caused by one or more previous surgeries. This simplification involved a correction in two stages: first a gradual correction of the equinus, varus, cavus, and adduction deformities and later an acute correction of the supination deformity. All feet underwent percutaneous Achilles tenotomy and plantar fasciotomy; 11 feet required an additional midfoot osteotomy. The final outcome was scored as good (complete correction and no pain); fair (partial correction with plantigrade foot and occasional pain); or poor (nonplantigrade foot and continuous pain during walking). After a mean followup of 56 months, the results were good in 27 feet (77%), fair in five feet (14%), and poor in three feet (9%). Early complications were complete dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in two feet and partial dislocation of the distal tibial epiphysis in two feet. Late complications were recurrence of the deformity (11 feet), spontaneous ankylosis (16 feet), and symptomatic foot and ankle arthritis (7 feet). Arthrodesis was performed in 13 feet at an average of 21 months after the index surgery to treat symptomatic arthritis or correct disabling residual deformities. The Ilizarov device allowed correction of all the complex deformities of severe recurrent clubfoot with minimal operative intervention. Complications were numerous but manageable and for the most part did not compromise overall patient satisfaction in this very difficult to treat clinical condition.

Early Clubfoot Recurrence After Use of the Ponseti Method in a New Zealand Population

Background: Nonoperative treatment of idiopathic clubfoot has become increasingly accepted worldwide as the initial standard of care. The Ponseti method has become particularly popular as a result of published short and long-term success rates in North America. The purpose of the current study was to examine the early rate of clubfoot recurrence following the use of the Ponseti treatment method in a New Zealand population and to analyze patient characteristics to identify factors predictive of recurrence. Methods: Fifty-one consecutive babies with a total of seventy-three clubfeet treated by the Ponseti technique were followed prospectively for a minimum of two years from the start of treatment. Recurrence, defined as the need for any subsequent operative treatment, was analyzed with respect to the severity at presentation, the time of presentation, the number of casts needed to obtain the initial correction, any family history of clubfoot, ethnicity, and the compliance with postcorrection abduction bracing. Recurrence was classified as minor, defined as requiring a tendon transfer or an Achilles tendon lengthening, or major, defined as requiring a full posterior or posteromedial surgical release to achieve a corrected plantigrade foot. Results: Twenty-one (41%) of the fifty-one patients had a recurrence, which was major in twelve of them and minor in nine. The parents of twenty-six babies (51%) complied with the abduction bracing protocol, and only three of these children had a major recurrence. Compliance with abduction bracing was associated with the greatest risk reduction for recurrence (odds ratio, 0.2; p = 0.009). When the parents had not complied with the bracing protocol, the patient had a five times greater chance of having a recurrence. With the numbers studied, no significant relationships were found between recurrence and the severity at presentation, the time of presentation, the number of casts needed to obtain correction, ethnicity, or a family history of clubfoot. Conclusions: Compliance with the postcorrection abduction bracing protocol is crucial to avoid recurrence of a clubfoot deformity treated with the Ponseti method. When the parents comply with the bracing protocol, the Ponseti method is very effective at maintaining a correction, although minor recurrences are still common. When the parents do not comply with the bracing protocol, many major and minor recurrences should be expected. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.