Early results of the Ponseti technique for a clubfoot clinic in South Africa

An audit was performed at a South African clinic in an attempt to compare results with those already published internationally. The aim was to determine the outcome and need for further surgery using this technique. A retrospective review was performed of a single surgeon practice using the Ponseti technique on all patients presenting with a clubfoot deformity. Patients with less than one year of final follow-up were excluded. A total of 70 patients were reviewed (106 feet). Patients were seen at a mean age of 3 months and 20 days. A mean of 6.5 casts were applied. The Achilles tenotomy rate was 74% (78 feet). A good outcome with complete correction was achieved in 63 feet (59%). Overall recurrence requiring re-plastering occurred in 24 feet (23%) and further surgery (other than Achilles tenotomy) was required in seven feet (7%). The Ponseti technique is a successful and rewarding method of treating all children with clubfeet. The technique must be done according to Ponseti's principles with attention to detail, rigorous parent education and close follow-up. Prior treatment was not associated with a worse outcome. Greater awareness and education regarding the Ponseti technique is mandatory to ensure early successful treatment.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Firth,GB, Eltringham,M, Shnier,G
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Medpharm Publications 2009
Online Access:http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1681-150X2009000400011
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