predictive factors for tenotomy in ponseti method for idiopathic clubfoot

Background: Clubfoot occurs in approximately 1 in 1000 live births and is one of the most congenital birth defects. The Non operative technique for the treatment of idiopathic club foot is described by Ponesti as a popular method. Tenotomy is on integral step of this method. The purpose of this study was to evaluation of predictive factors for tonotomy at the initiation of the Ponesti treatment.

Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, all patients with idiopathic clubfoot under the age of 6 months who had referred to the orthopedic clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia from April 1 to March 2017, and were treated by pontic method, were included in the study. Parametric statistical tests such as chi-square and t-test were used. The significance level for all tests was below 0.05. All analyzes were performed using SPSS software version 21.

Results: Tenotomies were performed in 39 feet of 52 feet (75%). Of 22 feet with initial Pirani scores ≥ 5.0, 95.5% required a tonotomy. Of 11 feet with an initial scores≤2.5, only 18.2% required a tenotomy. There was a significant difference between the need for tenotomy and severity of the deformity at onset of treatment (P<0.001). Removal of the last cast, there was no significant difference between those that did and did not have a tenotomy (P=0.789). Those that underwent tenotomy did not require more casts. Casting began in the newborn period (≤ 30days) on 34 feet. Tenotomy was not needed in 11 feet. There was a significant difference between the need for tonotomy and age at beginning of treatment (P=0.018).

Conclusion: Tenotomy is not required in all cases. Severity of the deformity at presentation, especially hindfoot contracture and age at the beginning of treatment can predict the need for tenotomy.