Changes in the Foot After Two Years of Deformity Correction in Neglected Clubfeet Treated With Modified Ponseti Technique

Introduction Neglected clubfoot comprises clubfoot deformities with late presentation and weight-bearing on the affected foot. These deformities are stiff and need an aggressive approach for cast-based management. The modified versions of the Ponseti technique have been found effective in treating these deformities. However, these techniques' long-term outcomes in neglected clubfoot and related correction maintenance with time progression have not been investigated. The current study aims to analyze the changes in deformity correction after a minimum of two years of follow-up in neglected clubfeet treated with a modified Ponseti method of corrective casting. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical records of 25 patients with 38 neglected clubfeet with a mean follow-up of 37.9±4.1 months after the initial correction of the deformity. These patients were managed with a modified Ponseti technique. The modified technique incorporated simultaneous deformity manipulation before equinus correction and additional dorsiflexion manipulation after two weeks of tendo-achilles tenotomy. The Pirani and Dimeglio scores and individual deformity corrections at the final follow-up were compared with those at final cast removal. Results No significant differences were observed between the initial and the final follow-up Pirani and Dimeglio scores. Concerning the deformity correction parameters, there was a significant loss in heel varus and foot abduction correction. However, the change in these parameters was small (less than 3 degrees). Conclusion The neglected clubfoot deformity can be satisfactorily corrected with an aggressive Ponseti based corrective manipulation and casting at a low relapse rate. However, minor loss of deformity correction is noticed after two years of treatment which is not reflected in clinical scores. Therefore, a strict long-term follow-up and careful deformity assessment are required to predict the recurrence in these cases.