Influence of Age, Weight, and Pirani Score on the Number of Castings in the Early Phase of Clubfoot Treatment using Ponseti Method

ABSTRACT

Background: The objectives of this study were to investigate whether severity of clubfoot, age, and weight of the patients at initial manipulation and casting influence the total number of castings required. Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 38 idiopathic clubfoot patients undergoing weekly manipulation and casting using the method recommended by Ponseti. The patients’ age, weight, and foot Pirani score at the start of manipulation and casting were analysed against the total number of castings required to achieve correction to 60° abduction. Results: Simple linear regression analysis on the influence of weight, age, and Pirani score at the time of cast initiation showed that the Pirani score was the only significant predictor for the total number of castings required. Conclusion: The total number of castings required to treat clubfoot was determined by the severity of clubfoot but not by the weight and age of patients.