Conservative management of idiopathic clubfoot: Kite versus Ponseti method. Is it hazardous or mandatory to release the talocalcaneal interosseous ligament in clubfoot surgery?: a preliminary report. Treatment of clubfoot with the Ponseti method: a comparison of casting materials. The effectiveness of botulinum A toxin as an adjunct to the treatment of clubfeet by the Ponseti method: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study. Clubfoot surgical treatment: preliminary results of a prospective comparative study of two techniques. Is there a role for lengthening flexor hallucis and flexor digitorum longus tendons in surgery for club foot?: a preliminary report. Comparison of Ponseti versus surgical treatment for idiopathic clubfoot: a short-term preliminary report. An accelerated Ponseti versus the standard Ponseti method: a prospective randomised controlled trial. Comparison of Ponseti and Kite's method of treatment for idiopathic clubfoot. Ponseti's vs. Kite's method in the treatment of clubfoot--a prospective randomised study. Comparison of modified posteromedial release and complete subtalar release in resistant congenital clubfoot: a randomized controlled trial.
To compare the long-term results of the Kite and Ponseti methods of manipulation and casting for clubfoot.
                42 patients (with 64 idiopathic clubfeet) were equally randomised to Kite or Ponseti treatments in the early weeks of life. 14 males and 7 females (34 clubfeet) were treated by the Kite method, whereas 13 males and 8 females (30 clubfeet) were treated by the Ponseti method. All the clubfeet were manipulated, casted, and followed up (for a mean of 3 years) by one experienced orthopaedic surgeon. The final results were compared.
                The success rates for the Kite and Ponseti treatments were similar (79% vs 87%). With the Ponseti method, the number of casts was significantly fewer (7 vs 10); the duration of casting required to achieve full correction was significantly shorter (10 vs 13 weeks); the maximum ankle dorsiflexion achieved was significantly greater (12 vs 6 degrees); and the incidence of residual deformity and recurrence was slightly lower.
                The Ponseti method can achieve more rapid correction and ankle dorsiflexion with fewer casts, without weakening the Achilles tendon. Extreme overcorrection and avascular necrosis are recognized complications in clubfoot surgery and are thought to be the result of division of the talocalcaneal interosseous ligament (TCIL). This is a preliminary report of a prospective study of the cases of 46 patients with 66 idiopathic clubfeet treated by means of soft tissue release using a posteromedial approach at a mean age of 9 months. The deformity was very severe in 51 feet and severe in 15. The feet were divided into 2 equal groups (33 feet each). In group A feet, the TCIL was released, whereas in group B, the ligament was left intact. At a mean follow-up period of 28 months, the result was satisfactory (excellent and good) in 96.9% of feet in group A and in 87.9% of feet in group B. When the mean overall clinical and radiological score was investigated, group A graded excellent whereas group B graded good. In feet with satisfactory outcome, group A showed statistically significant improvement of the anteroposterior and lateral talocalcaneal angles, talocalcaneal index, and lateral calcaneus-first metatarsal angles when compared with group B. This was reflected clinically on better hind foot correction with the release of the TCIL, with no evidence of significant overcorrection. Magnetic resonance imaging of the ankle and foot confirmed no evidence of talar avascular necrosis or extreme overcorrection in 40 feet (60.1%), 20 in each group. We conclude that it is advisable to release the TCIL in severe and very severe clubfeet. Popular initial treatment for congenital clubfoot includes the use of serial manipulations and casting as described by Ponseti et al. Plaster of Paris and semirigid fiberglass are 2 materials commonly used for casting. To our knowledge, no study to date has compared the clinical results of these 2 materials. The objective of this randomized prospective study was to compare the effectiveness of these materials in the initial management of clubfoot.
                All clubfeet presenting to the 2 senior authors' outpatient clinics over a 15-month period were offered enrollment. Patients were randomly assigned for treatment with either plaster or semirigid fiberglass casts. The severity of the clubfoot deformity was documented using the scoring system devised by Diméglio et al. Serial casts were applied according to the technique described by Ponseti et al. At the completion of nonsurgical treatment, the final clubfoot severity was documented.
                A total of 42 clubfeet in 34 patients were enrolled in the study. After exclusion of 3 patients, 13 patients (16 feet) received fiberglass, and 18 patients (23 feet) received plaster casts. The mean baseline severity scores of the 2 groups were not significantly different. The mean final severity score was significantly higher in the feet treated with fiberglass than those treated with plaster (6.4 vs 4.1; P = 0.037). There was a trend toward higher scores for cast tolerance, durability, and parent satisfaction in the fiberglass group, but this did not reach significance.
                This study supports the use of plaster casting with the Ponseti technique. The use of plaster casts resulted in a statistically lower Diméglio-Bensahel score at the completion of serial casting. There was a trend toward higher patient satisfaction in the fiberglass-treated group. Whether this difference has an effect on long-term outcomes and recurrence remains to be studied.
                Level II. Nonblinded randomized controlled prospective study. The Ponseti method has been shown to be a highly effective way to correct congenital clubfeet nonoperatively. Children treated with the technique frequently require percutaneous Achilles tenotomies, however, and until recently have experienced frequent relapses of their deformity. The purpose of this study was to see if Botulinum a A toxin (BTX-A) (manufactured by Allergan, Irvine CA) and administered before starting treatment with the Ponseti method might decrease the time in cast to correction, reduce the need for percutaneous Achilles tenotomy, and reduce the frequency of relapse.
                After IRB approval and informed consent, 20 newborns (age 0 to 30 d) with Dimeglio lll congenital clubfeet (N=32) were randomized into either BTX-A or placebo groups. All clubfeet underwent serial manipulation and casting according to the Ponseti technique. Outcomes measured were days in cast to correction of deformity (judged clinically and radiographically), and the need for percutaneous Achilles tenotomy to achieve correction. Recurrence requiring further treatment after initial correction was also recorded.
                We were unable to demonstrate a significant difference (t test and chi2 procedures) between the BTX-a group and the placebo group in the outcomes measured.
                We were not able to demonstrate that BTX-A as administered in this study speeds correction, reduces the need for percutaneous Achilles tenotomy, or decreases the chance of relapse after treatment when used as an adjunct to serial manipulation and casting for congenital clubfoot. It is possible that BTX-A could have a treatment effect that due to the power of our study would not have been detected by our study.
                Level 1b. Twenty patients with 30 idiopathic resistant clubfeet were operated on by the same surgeon. The mean patient age was 7.7 months (range, 3.5-19 months). Two different surgical techniques (15 posteromedial release and 15 complete circumferential subtalar release) were used during a prospective randomized study. Average follow-up was 2 years 3 months. None of the children had received previous conservative treatment. Radiologic assessment on lateral and anteroposterior radiographs included preoperative and follow-up measurements of tibiotalar, tibiocalcaneal, talocalcaneal, talo-I meta, and calcaneo-V meta angles, as well as physis morphology, talocalcaneal divergence, and location of the navicular. Before surgery, both groups were statistically similar as assessed by the Student t test. Follow-up results were also statistically similar between the groups. Functional assessment, according to Magone's score, showed global average excellent and good results in 23 feet (76.7%), with a slight but not significant difference (P = 0.77) between the two techniques. At short-term follow-up, no significant differences were found in radiologic and functional results between the two surgical procedures for idiopathic clubfoot. Most cases of club foot (congenital talipes equinovarus) respond to non-operative treatment but resistant cases may need surgery. It is broadly accepted that lengthening of tendo Achillis, the tendon of tibialis posterior and capsulotomy of the ankle and subtalar joints are necessary during surgical release, but there is no consensus as to whether lengthening of the tendons of flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum longus is required. We randomised 13 children with severe bilateral club foot deformities to undergo lengthening of the flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum longus tendons on one side and simple decompression on the other. We found no difference in the deformities of the toes between the lengthened and non-lengthened sides at a mean follow-up of four years (2 to 6). We conclude that routine lengthening of the tendons of flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum longus during soft-tissue surgery for resistant club foot is not necessary. The Ponseti method of treatment for congenital clubfeet has gained widespread clinical acceptance. We have used manipulation, serial casting, and surgery to treat congenital clubfeet for almost 3 decades. Considering the Ponseti method of treatment to replace our traditional treatment method, we conducted a randomized, controlled trial evaluating the short-term outcome of the two treatment protocols. We evaluated foot function and applied a standardized measure of health status for children with orthopaedic problems. Nineteen patients (28 feet) were included in the trial. Nine infants (12 feet) were assigned to the Ponseti treatment group, and 10 (16 feet) were assigned to a group with initial casting and posteromedial release at the age of 6 to 8 months. The minimum followup was 3.3 years (mean, 3.5 years; range 3.3-3.8 years). Outcome measures included the Functional Rating System of Laaveg and Ponseti, the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI), and standardized radiographic measurements. At last followup the mean Functional Rating score was higher in the Ponseti group. Passive dorsiflexion and passive inversion-eversion were better in the Ponseti group. PODCI scales were comparable and radiographic outcome measures were similar in both groups. This trial has documented a favorable short-term outcome for the Ponseti method when compared with a traditional treatment protocol. Level of Evidence: Level III, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. We conducted a prospective randomised controlled trial to compare the standard Ponseti plaster method with an accelerated method for the treatment of idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus. The standard weekly plaster-change method was accelerated to three times per week. We hypothesised that both methods would be equally effective in achieving correction. A total of 40 consecutive patients (61 feet) were entered into the trial. The initial median Pirani score was 5.5 (95% confidence interval 4.5 to 6.0) in the accelerated group and 5.0 (95% confidence interval 4.0 to 5.0) in the standard control group. The scores decreased by an average 4.5 in the accelerated group and 4.0 in the control group. There was no significant difference in the final Pirani score between the two groups (chi-squared test, p = 0.308). The median number of treatment days in plaster was 16 in the accelerated group and 42 in the control group (p < 0.001). Of the 19 patients in the accelerated group, three required plaster treatment for more than 21 days and were then assigned to the standard control method. Of the 40 patients, 36 were followed for a minimum of six months. These results suggest that comparable outcomes can be achieved with an accelerated Ponseti method. The ability to complete all necessary manipulations within a three-week period facilitates treatment where patients have to travel long distances. The manipulation and corrective cast application for club foot was known to be done by Kite's method. The Kite's method of manipulation (center of rotation of malaligned foot and fulcrum on cuboid) was modified by Ponseti (fulcrum on head of talus). Recently, Ponseti's method has gained popularity and vastly improved results are reported. We report randomized controlled trial where manipulation of club foot was done by Ponseti's and Kite's method and correction evaluated by Pirani score to compare the outcome of treatment.
                Sixty feet in 38 patients, 22 with bilateral and 16 with unilateral clubfeet in children less than two years of age and without any prior manipulation or surgical treatment were randomly allocated to the Ponseti (30 feet) and Kite (30 feet) methods of manipulation. This process resulted in the right and left feet of the same patient in 12 bilateral cases being compared with one another (Paired analysis). In the remaining 10 bilateral cases, four patients had both feet treated by Ponseti and six had both feet treated by Kite (unpaired analysis). Finally, in 16 unilateral cases, 10 feet were allocated to the Ponseti and six to Kite methods of manipulation (unpaired analysis). Feet were followed up weekly for 10 weeks for change of cast and recording of hindfoot, midfoot and total Pirani scores. Correction was measured as a difference between hindfoot, mid foot and total Pirani scores weekly from weeks 1 to 10 and corresponding baseline scores. Absolute correction and rate of correction in (i) bilateral clubfeet treated by Ponseti's method on one side and Kite's method on the other side in the same patient were compared using paired Student's t test and (ii) patients with unilateral clubfoot (where either of the methods was used) or those with bilateral clubfoot (where both feet treated by either of the two methods on both the sides) were compared using difference between means (mean correction by Ponseti minus mean correction by Kite) for magnitude of difference and unpaired Student's t test (if data was normally distributed) or Mann Whitney U statistics (otherwise) for significance of difference.
                In 12 bilateral clubfeet, where one foot received Kite's method and the other Ponseti's manipulation, feet treated by Ponseti's technique showed faster rates of decrease in Pirani score (improvement) as compared to feet treated by Kite's method with the mean of difference between baseline and follow up scores showing significantly greater (P<0.05) difference from zero from fourth week onwards to up to 10 weeks. In unpaired analysis, both for unilateral or bilateral clubfeet, regardless of side, mean Pirani scores in Ponseti feet improved much faster than Kite feet but the difference achieved statistical significance only at the 10(th) week from the start of treatment.
                Hind foot, midfoot and total Pirani scores reduce much faster with Ponseti than the Kite's method of manipulation of clubfoot. In paired analysis the difference becomes statistically significant at fourth week and in unpaired analysis at 10(th) week from the start of treatment. Ponseti's and Kite's methods of conservative management in idiopathic congenital clubfoot were compared in a prospective randomised study consisting of 45 infants (67 feet) younger than 3 months, from March 2003 through February 2004. There were 36 and 31 feet that underwent treatment by Ponseti's and Kite's methods, respectively. After an average follow-up of 27.24 months in the Ponseti group, correction was achieved in 33 feet (91.7%), with only three patients requiring surgical management. There were seven relapses (21.1%), all of which were corrected conservatively. However, two of these required surgical intervention on showing a relapse again in the second year. In the Kite group, we achieved correction in 21 feet (67.7%) after an average follow-up of 24.8 months, with ten patients requiring surgical intervention. There were eight relapses of which only four could be corrected conservatively. We could also achieve correction in very severe feet (Dimeglio classification) in a significantly higher percentage using Ponseti's method, in significantly lesser time and with fewer casts. We are of the opinion that Ponseti's method is superior to Kite's method in achieving correction in idiopathic clubfeet in a relatively shorter period of time when used to treat young infants. To compare the surgical results of modified posteromedial release with modified complete subtalar release in resistant congenital clubfoot in a randomized controlled trial
                Eighty six children with 128 clubfeet, at an average of 5.9 months old (3-12 months) were operated on between 1996 and 2006 by a single surgeon. They were randomized into two groups. Group A, the modified posteromedial release was performed on 47 children with 69 clubfeet from 26 boys and 21 girls. Group B, the modified complete subtalar release was performed on 39 children with 59 clubfeet from 22 boys and 17 girls. Both groups received the same postoperative protocols. The mean follow up time was 15.1 months in group A (3-90 months) and 23.7 months in group B (3-120 months).
                There were no statistically significant differences of both groups between age, sex, side, bilaterality, and Dimeglio pre-operative evaluation. Most of the children ended up with satisfactory appearance of feet without major complications, neurovascular injuries, talonavicular dislocation, or avascular necrosis of the talus. Mild forefeet adduction was found in 10 feet in group A and in 5 feet in group B but allfeet were flexible and reducible to normal alignment of the feet. Two feet in group A and one foot in group B were re-operated by soft tissue release without bone surgery and had fair results. Four feet in group A and two feet in group B got soft tissue infection and resolved in a few weeks by dressing and antibiotics. The postoperative mean Ponseti score was 89.6 (75-100) points in group A and 88.2 (70-98) points in group B without statistically significant difference (p = 0.25). The Turco postoperative evaluation of both groups was not statistically significantly different (p = 0.17). The good and excellent results from Ponseti score was 85.5% in group A and 89.9% in group B. The correlation coefficient (r) between Ponseti and Turco evaluation was 0.81.
                The clinical and statistical significant difference were not found in the surgical results of modified posteromedial release and modified complete subtalar release in resistant clubfeet.
From the limited evidence available, the Ponseti technique may produce better short-term outcomes compared to the Kite technique. An accelerated Ponseti technique may be as effective as a standard technique. We could draw no conclusions from other included trials because of the limited use of validated outcome measures and lack of available raw data. Future randomised controlled trials should address these issues.