Gait Analysis after Initial Nonoperative Treatment for Clubfeet: Intermediate Term Followup at Age 5

• DOI: 10.1007/s11999-008-0702-9
• Publication Date: 2009-01-21T19:02:21Z
• Authors: Lori A. Karol; Kelly Jeans; Ron ElHawary
• Keywords: Ponseti Method; Tenotomy; Ankle dorsiflexion

We conducted gait analysis following initial nonoperative clubfoot treatment to compare lower extremity kinematic (eg, ankle motion) and kinetic power) characteristics between patients treated as infants with Ponseti casting or French physical therapy. This is a followup report of at age 5 years in who had previously been tested 2 years. One hundred-twenty five clubfeet 90 (34 feet only treatment, 40 PT, 51 followed by surgery) were included. The compared those age-matched normal control subjects. Ankle equinus during occurred 5% the method none method. Increased stance phase dorsiflexion persisted 24% Intoeing was seen 1/3 both methods. push-off power decreased methods, even more so operated feet. presence absence Achilles tenotomy did not affect power. Gait that have surgery maintained correction superior