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Topic:

Clubfoot

Issue:

Foot

Category:

Congenital

Title:

The Importance of Having a Single, Dedicated Medical Team to Treat Congenital Talipes Equinovarus Using the Ponseti Method: A Retrospective Analysis of Treatment Outcomes After 3 Years of Follow-up

Author:

Tabard-Fougère, Anne PhD; Bonnefoy-Mazure, Alice PhD; Dayer, Romain MD; Vazquez, Oscar MD; De Coulon, Geraldo MD

Journal:

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics

Date:

April 2024

Reference:

44(4):p e361-e368, DOI: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002613

Level Of Evidence:

III

# of Patients:

Period I: 48 feet (32 patients)
Period II: 42 feet (29 patients)

Study Type:

Retrospective comparative study

Location:

Geneva University Hospitals, Pediatric Units

Summary:

Examines the impact of having a single, dedicated medical team treating congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) with the Ponseti method versus multiple surgeons. Compares outcomes over two periods: Period I (multiple surgeons) and Period II (single dedicated team). Primary outcome assessed: rate of treatment failure (relapsed feet) after 3 years of follow-up.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of pediatric CTEV cases treated using the Ponseti method between 2007 and 2018. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, complications, and treatment outcomes were collected. Statistical analysis performed with χ2 and Student t-tests; run charts used for yearly trends in complications and outcomes.

Exclusions:

Not specified

Results:

Period II (single team) demonstrated significant improvements in treatment outcomes compared to Period I. No treatment failures and fewer complications or recurrences were observed in Period II. All 8 relapsed feet (5 patients) occurred during Period I.

Conclusions:

Assigning a single dedicated medical team to treat CTEV cases resulted in better adherence to the Ponseti method and significantly improved outcomes. The study underscores the importance of care continuity and strict protocol adherence for favorable treatment results.

Relevance:

Limitations:

Perspective:

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