Treatment of syndrome-associated congenital talipes equinovarus using the Ponseti method: 4–12 years of follow-up

Abstract

to evaluate the effectiveness of the Ponseti method in treating syndrome-associated (nonidiopathic) congenital talipes equinovarus. This was a retrospective consecutive review over a 12-year period in a tertiary centre of all patients with syndrome-associated talipes equinovarus treated with the Ponseti method. The primary outcome measure at the final follow-up was the functional correction of the deformity. There were 16 (28 feet) children, with an average follow-up of 7 years (range: 4–12). The average age at presentation was 6.1 (range: 2–17) weeks. Deformities were severe, with an average Pirani score of 5.0 (range: 3.0–6.0). Initial correction was achieved in all children, with an average of 6 (range: 4–9) Ponseti casts and a tendo-Achilles tenotomy performed in 21/28 (75%) feet. Satisfactory outcome at the final follow-up was achieved in 23/28 (82%) feet. The Ponseti method is an effective first-line treatment for syndrome-associated talipes equinovarus to achieve functional painless feet; children will often require more casts and have a higher risk of relapse.