Ponseti Method for Treating Clubfoot

The Effectiveness of the Ponseti Method for Treating Clubfoot Associated with Amniotic Band Syndrome

More than 50 percent of pediatric patients with clubfoot deformity suffer from amniotic band syndrome (ABS). The Ponseti technique could be a viable treatment for patients with ABS. To test this, researchers analyzed 12 patients with a total of 21 feet. They collected data including age, sex, amniotic band location and response to treatment. The average age was three weeks, and the average number of casts was six. The Ponseti technique corrected 20 of 21 feet, and recurrence was identified in just seven of 21 feet. The average follow-up was 3.9 years. Researchers concluded the Ponseti technique was viable for treatment in patients with clubfeet associated with ABS.

Background: Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) is a congenital disorder with an associated incidence of clubfoot deformity in over 50% of patients. Although early reports in the literature demonstrated a poor response to casting treatments, recent application of the Ponseti technique in ABS patients have been more promising.

http://journals.lww.com/pedorthopaedics/Abstract/2016/04000/The_Effectiveness_of_the_Ponseti_Method_for.12.aspx

Ignacio V. Ponseti can be credited with developing a comprehensive technique for treating congenital clubfoot in the 1940s. One of the major principles of this technique is the concept that the tissues of a newborn’s foot, including tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, and certain bones, will yield to gentle manipulation and casting of the feet at weekly intervals. By applying this technique to clubfeet within the first few weeks of life, most clubfeet can be successfully corrected without the need for major reconstructive surgery.

https://www.hss.edu/conditions_the-ponseti-method-for-clubfoot-correction.asp