Treating Older Children with Clubfoot: Results of a Cross-Sectional Survey of Expert Practitioners

• DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196846
• Publication Date: 2023-09-28T05:51:14Z
• Authors: Grace Drury; Timothy R. Nunn; Firaol Dandena; Tracey Smythe; Christopher B. D....
• Keywords: Ponseti Method

Treating clubfoot in walking-age children is debated, despite studies showing that using the Ponseti casting principles can correct midfoot effectively. We aimed to explore techniques and approaches for management of older with identify consensus areas. A mixed-methods cross-sectional electronic survey on delayed-presenting (DPC) was sent 88 practitioners (response rate 56.8%). collected data decision-making, casting, imaging, orthotics, surgery, recurrence, rehabilitation, multidisciplinary care, contextual factors. The quantitative were analysed descriptive statistics. qualitative conventional content analysis. Many respondents reported Pirani score some used PAVER aid deformity severity assessment correctability. Respondents consistently applied a stepwise approach. economic, social, other factors influenced timing treatment, decision treat bilateral simultaneously, intervals. Differences seen around orthotic usage surgical approaches, such as use tibialis anterior tendon transfer following full correction. In summary, identified areas overall implementation principles. results indicate these are well recognised approach be adapted different geographical healthcare contexts.