Abstract

FIRTH, GB; ELTRINGHAM, M  and  SHNIER, G. Early results of the Ponseti technique for a clubfoot clinic in South Africa. SA orthop. j. [online]. 2009, vol.8, n.4, pp.67-71. ISSN 2309-8309.

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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