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World J Orthop. Jul 18, 2013; 4(3): 144-153
Published online Jul 18, 2013. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v4.i3.144
Published online Jul 18, 2013. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v4.i3.144
Ponseti method compared with soft-tissue release for the management of clubfoot: A meta-analysis study
Marios G Lykissas, Alvin H Crawford, Emily A Eismann, Junichi Tamai, Division of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to this paper.
Correspondence to: Marios G Lykissas, MD, PhD, Division of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 217, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States. mariolyk@yahoo.com
Telephone: +1-513-6527207 Fax: +1-513-6527207
Received: January 9, 2013
Revised: March 27, 2013
Accepted: April 27, 2013
Published online: July 18, 2013
Revised: March 27, 2013
Accepted: April 27, 2013
Published online: July 18, 2013
Core Tip
Core tip: This study analyzed a large cohort of patients with idiopathic clubfoot and presented differences in the functional and radiographic outcomes based on the management employed. Although no statistically significant difference was noted in the overall functional outcomes between patients managed with the Ponseti method or open surgery, patients treated with the Ponseti method had a higher rate of excellent or good outcomes. Serial manipulation and casting has been widely accepted as the initial treatment of idiopathic clubfeet, and soft-tissue release is reserved for clubfeet that cannot be completely corrected. A strict brace compliance remains the major challenge of the Ponseti method.