Exploring the distribution of risk factors for drop-out from Ponseti treatment for clubfoot across Bangladesh using geospatial cluster analysis.

Clubfoot is a congenital anomaly affecting 1/1,000 live births. Ponseti casting is an effective and affordable treatment. About 75% of affected children have access to Ponseti treatment in Bangladesh, but 20% are at risk of drop-out. We aimed to identify the areas in Bangladesh where patients are at high or low risk for drop-out. This study used a cross-sectional design based on publicly available data. The nationwide clubfoot program: 'Walk for Life' identified five risk factors for drop-out from the Ponseti treatment, specific to the Bangladeshi setting: household poverty, household size, population working in agriculture, educational attainment and travel time to the clinic. We explored the spatial distribution and clustering of these five risk factors. The spatial distribution of children <5 years with clubfoot and the population density differ widely across the different sub-districts of Bangladesh. Analysis of risk factor distribution and cluster analysis showed areas at high risk for dropout in the Northeast and the Southwest, with poverty, educational attainment and working in agriculture as the most prevalent driving risk factor. Across the entire country, twenty-one multivariate high-risk clusters were identified. As the risk factors for drop-out from clubfoot care are not equally distributed across Bangladesh, there is a need in regional prioritization and diversification of treatment and enrolment policies. Local stakeholders and policy makers can identify high-risk areas and allocate resources effectively.

Children's foot parameters and basic anthropometry - do arch height and midfoot width change?

The aims of this study were as follows: (1) to assess how foot posture and morphology assessments change according to body mass index (BMI) status; (2) to determine which body composition parameter (BMI or waist circumference) correlates better with the foot posture index (FPI), arch height index (AHI), and midfoot width (MFW) in children. Foot morphometry (FPI, AHI, and MFW) and body composition (BMI and waist circumference (WC)) were assessed in a cross-sectional study of 575 children (mean age = 7.42 ± 1.67 years; 53.27% female). When comparing BMI groups, an increase of 8.3% in AHI and 13.6% in MFW (both p < 0.0001) was seen. In linear regression analyses, BMI and WC were positively associated with MFW explaining together 64.8% of its variance. Noteworthy, MFW is the most related to body composition parameters. CONCLUSION: Foot morphology assessed by FPI, AHI, and MFW differs among BMI categories in children. Noteworthy, WC correlates better with foot measures than does the more commonly used BMI, and more importantly the MFW is the foot measure best explained by children's body weight. Since foot morphometry is different among different BMI groups, children would benefit from shoes with different patterns (thinner and wider), as well as a good system to adjust midfoot height. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Children who are overweight and obese have flatter feet, when assessed using footprints. • Up to 72% of people have incorrectly fitted shoes. WHAT IS NEW: • Children with underweight have thinner and flatter feet than children with normal weight, while children with overweight and obesity have wider and higher arched feet. • Body weight is related to foot shape, which has relevance for footwear manufacturers.

Evaluation of the Relationship between Lower Limb Hypermobility and Ankle Muscle Strength in a Paediatric Population: Protocol for a Cross Sectional Study.

The methodological heterogeneity in paediatric foot studies does not entail a stable foundation on which to focus the diagnosis and treatment of the various childhood foot problems. For this reason, the use of highly reliable tests is essential to find relationships and to establish a basis to guide the following studies. The main objective proposed in this cross-sectional observational study protocol is to examine the relationship between hypermobility (Lower Limb Assessment Score and Beighton score) and ankle muscle strength in different types of feet. The second objective is to describe the relationship between physical activity tests in children, and to compare with foot type and ankle muscle strength. The Strengthening Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) criteria will be followed. The hypermobility, posture, strength and physical condition tests will be analyzed through three stations, each one directed by a single specialist in paediatric podiatry. The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia CE112104. The results will be disseminated regardless of the magnitude or direction of effect. Intra-examiner and inter-examiner reliability will be analyzed.

'Green podiatry' - reducing our carbon footprints. Lessons from a sustainability panel.

BACKGROUND: The eyes of the world will be on COP26 as it meets in Glasgow in November, 2021. Our planet is displaying weather extremes due to climate change which cannot be ignored, and which are deleterious for people's health. Ironically, healthcare contributes to climate change, contributing approximately 5% of carbon emissions globally. Climate change due to global warming is 'the biggest global health threat of the 21st century'. MAIN BODY: The Australian Podiatry Association conference held a sustainability panel, hearing perspectives of industry and science, medicine and sport, fashion, and retail. Content unified a broad planet and human health message, which is highly relevant for podiatrists. Key themes included waste as a resource, exercise as evidence-based intervention, responsibility and circular economy recycling principles for end-of-life product (footwear) purchases, and wider ethical considerations of footwear and clothing. The Anthropocene origin of climate change requires humanity to collaborate and to live more sustainably. Innovation is essential for better energy modes, cleaner air, human health and earth care. Green Podiatry joins the concerted activity of medical and health groups within Australia. The UK's NHS is an exemplar in this area, having already reduced healthcare emissions by 35%, and aiming for net zero by 2045, and perhaps sooner. CONCLUSION: People are increasingly concerned about climate change, and COP26 is an important and imminent meeting for human and planet health. This commentary on Green Podiatry directs us all to lighten our carbon footprint. A final, and forthcoming commentary will outline practical ways of positively incorporating climate change communication into the clinical setting.

Sustainable healthcare - Time for 'Green Podiatry'.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare aims to promote good health and yet demonstrably contributes to climate change, which is purported to be 'the biggest global health threat of the 21st century'. This is happening now, with healthcare as an industry representing 4.4% of global carbon dioxide emissions. MAIN BODY: Climate change promotes health deficits from many angles; however, primarily it is the use of fossil fuels which increases atmospheric carbon dioxide (also nitrous oxide, and methane). These greenhouse gases prevent the earth from cooling, resulting in the higher temperatures and rising sea levels, which then cause 'wild weather' patterns, including floods, storms, and droughts. Particular vulnerability is afforded to those already health compromised (older people, pregnant women, children, wider health co-morbidities) as well as populations closer to equatorial zones, which encompasses many low-and-middle-income-countries. The paradox here, is that poorer nations by spending less on healthcare, have lower carbon emissions from health-related activity, and yet will suffer most from global warming effects, with scant resources to off-set the increasing health care needs. Global recognition has forged the Paris agreement, the United Nations sustainable developments goals, and the World Health Organisation climate change action plan. It is agreed that most healthcare impact comes from consumption of energy and resources, and the production of greenhouse gases into the environment. Many professional associations of medicine and allied health professionals are advocating for their members to lead on environmental sustainability; the Australian Podiatry Association is incorporating climate change into its strategic direction. CONCLUSION: Podiatrists, as allied health professionals, have wide community engagement, and hence, can model positive environmental practices, which may be effective in changing wider community behaviours, as occurred last century when doctors stopped smoking. As foot health consumers, our patients are increasingly likely to expect more sustainable practices and products, including 'green footwear' options. Green Podiatry, as a part of sustainable healthcare, directs us to be responsible energy and product consumers, and reduce our workplace emissions.

A Community Audit of 300 "Drop-Out" Instances in Children Undergoing Ponseti Clubfoot Care in Bangladesh-What Do the Parents Say?

Introduction: Drop-out before treatment completion is a vexing problem for all clubfoot clinics. We and others have previously identified better engagement with parents as a crucial method of ameliorating incomplete clubfoot treatment, which increases deformity relapse. Materials and methods: The novel use of community facilitators enabled an audit of over 300 families who had dropped-out from a child's clubfoot treatment. A questionnaire standardized the parent interviews. Parents were encouraged to present for clinical review of their child's clubfeet. Results: When treatment was discontinued for six months, 309 families were audited. A social profile of families was developed, showing that most lived in tin houses with one working family member, indicating low affluence. Family issues, brace difficulty, travel distances, and insufficient understanding of ongoing bracing and follow-up were the main reasons for discontinuing treatment. Overt deformity relapse was found in 9% of children, while half of the children recommenced brace use after review. Conclusions: Identifying families at risk of dropping out from clubfoot care enables support to be instigated. Our findings encourage clinicians to empathize with parents of children with clubfoot deformity. The parent load indicator, in parallel with the initial clubfoot severity assessment, may help clinicians to better appreciate the demand that treatment will place on parents, the associated risk of drop-out, and the opportunity to enlist support.

Variation of spatiotemporal parameters in school children carrying different backpack loads: a cross sectional study.

The purpose of this study was to analyze spatiotemporal parameters of gait in children using varyingly loaded Backpacks(BP). This cross-sectional study examined 231 schoolchildren (118 boys, 113 girls) aged six to 12 years, carrying a traditional BP to manipulate loading (Crossing Backpack Children Arpenaz 7 Litres, Junior Red Quechua). Load was added to the BPs in increments of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of the child's body weight. Spatio-temporal parameters were measured with the OptoGait system. Significant differences were observed in single support (p < 0.001), and double support (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed in step length (p = 0.959) between the five loading conditions. Similarly, no statistically significant differences were found in the contact phase (p = 0.208), although significant changes were seen between baseline, 15% of body weight (p < 0.005), and 20% of body weight (p < 0.005). The effect sizes from the ANOVA in the single support was low (0.015), and double support was moderate (0.02). Increased weight in BPs reduced both children's balance and single support, increased double support, but did not change step length. The children increase double support with heavier loads to help their balance. The spatio-temporal changes were most evident with BP loads between 15-20% of body weight. Affective responses, including the perception of heaviness or difficulty in carrying the schoolbags need to be included in further and prospective investigations.

International normative data for paediatric foot posture assessment: a cross-sectional investigation.

OBJECTIVES: The foot posture index (FPI) is an observational tool designed to measure the position of the foot. The objective of this study was to establish international reference data for foot posture across childhood, and influence of body mass index (BMI) on paediatric foot posture. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The dataset comprised 3217 healthy children, aged from 3 to 15 years. Contributing data were acquired from Spain, UK and Australia. INTERVENTIONS: Foot posture was described by means and z-score of the FPI and the height and weight of each subject was measured and the BMI was calculated. RESULTS: The foot posture of 3217 children were reviewed. A pronated (FPI ≥+6) foot posture was found in 960 (29.8%) children, a normal (FPI 0 to +6) foot posture in 1776 (55.2%) and a highly pronated (FPI +10) foot posture was found in 127 children (3.9%) (range -4 to +12 FPI). Less than 11% were found to have a supinated foot type (n=354). Approximately 20% of children were overweight/obese, but correlation between BMI and FPI was weak and inverse (r=-0.066, p<0.01), refuting the relationship between increased body mass and flatfeet. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that the 'flat' or pronated foot is the common foot posture of childhood, with FPI score of +4 (3) the average finding. Trend indicated a less flatfoot with age, although non-linear. A wide normal range of foot posture across childhood is confirmed.

Correlates and predictors of paediatric leg pain: a case-control study.

Paediatric leg pains, long described as 'growing pains', frequently present to clinicians, are prevalent in early childhood, disrupt sleep, and distress affected children and parents. There are many cited associations, but no defined leg pain sub-types, nor revealed predictive factors. We explored the implicated factors (viz. foot arches, foot strength, joint mobility, vitamin D, iron) in children with leg pain versus a control group. Leg pain sub-groups-growing pains (GP), restless legs (RLS), both (mixed)-are defined for the first time. A case controlled study design, in a primary care setting, Mumbai, India. A total of 77 children with leg pains (n = 64) and controls (n = 13), aged 3-12 years, identified by paediatricians, completed data collection. Blood assays for iron and vitamin D, pain, Beighton score, foot arch, foot strength and anthropometrical data were collected. All outcome measures were validated, with standardised protocols. Leg pain (all groups) was predicted by increased joint mobility and increased ankle dorsiflexion strength (ß = 0.56, P < 0.05). GP sub-group was predicted by increased ankle dorsiflexion strength (ß = - 0.06, P < 0.05). Mixed (GP/RLS) and RLS sub-groups were predicted by increased ankle dorsiflexion strength (ß = 0.66, P < 0.05) and pain questionnaire (ß = 0.11, P < 0.05). Hypovitaminosis D was detected in 87% of the sample, and anaemia in 13%. Increased strength of ankle dorsiflexors and joint flexibility were each found predictive for leg pain. Increased body weight, waist girth, and BMI were all associated with leg pain.

Foot posture development in children aged 5 to11 years: A three-year prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The paediatric flatfoot is a common presentation but it is unclear whether the condition will resolve on its own as the child gets older or whether treatment is required. Therefore, the study objective was to evaluate paediatric foot posture, and anthropometry, in children at two time points, three years apart. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of 1032 healthy children (505 boys, 527 girls; aged 5-11 years) was recruited for foot posture index (FPI) and anthropometry assessment (weight, height and body mass index, BMI). Assessment was repeated when the children were aged 8 years to 14 years. Paired t-tests, Anova, frequency tables and a multiple regressions were conducted. RESULTS: Initially, approximately 70% had a neutral FPI range, 20% pronated, 3% highly pronated, and 4% supinated. Initial mean FPI was 3.6 ±â€¯2.8, being higher in boys 3.7 ±â€¯2.8 than in girls 3.4 ±â€¯2.7 (p = 0.034). All FPI categories changed over time, with supinated and neutral FPI increased by 19.5% and 4.7% respectively. In contrast, pronated and highly pronated FPI reduced by 10.6% and 55.6% respectively. Regression showed only 1% FPI change was explained by increased height. FPI scores were significantly reduced after three years (3.57 to 3.33; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Children's foot posture shifts toward neutral as age increases. There is minimal relationship with weight, height or BMI. Appreciation of developing foot posture could reduce over diagnosis and unnecessary treatment of paediatric flatfeet.

Walk for life - the National Clubfoot Project of Bangladesh: the four-year outcomes of 150 congenital clubfoot cases following Ponseti method.

BACKGROUND: Congenital clubfoot deformity can cause significant disability, and if left untreated, may further impoverish those in developing countries, like Bangladesh. The Ponseti method has been strategically introduced in Bangladesh by a non-government organisation, Walk For Life (WFL). WFL has provided free treatment for over 17,500 Bangladeshi children with clubfeet since 2009, sustained by local ownership, and international support. This study assesses the 4-year results in children for whom treatment began before the age of 3 years. METHODS: A centrally located WFL clinic at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), representative of the larger WFL clinics, which treats >100 cases annually, was reviewed. In 2015, 99 of the 147 eligible subjects who had begun treatment in 2011 were available for follow up. Specific assessment tools enabled evaluation of parent satisfaction, gait function, and relapse cases. RESULTS: Results for 99/147 cases were returned after four years: 72 males, 27 females. Typical clubfeet comprised 98/99 of cases, and 55/99 were bilateral. The tenotomy rate was 80 %. Brace use after 3 months was 90 %, at 12 months was 65 %, and at 4 years post treatment was 40 %. Functionally, 98/99 of children could walk and run (99 %). Relapsing deformity was found in 13 %. Relapse severity varied: eight were flexible and partial, five were rigid. Half of the children lost to follow were due to changed phone numbers. While parents were very happy with their child's feet (97 %), a materials cost of 3000 Taka ($US40) was deemed unaffordable by 60 %. CONCLUSIONS: The 4-year outcomes after Ponseti treatment for clubfoot deformity, showed that 99 % of children available for follow up, were walking independently. The relapse rate was low. Parent satisfaction was high, but those whose children required further treatment were less satisfied.

The relationship between foot posture, body mass, age and ankle, lower-limb and whole-body flexibility in healthy children aged 7 to 15 years.

BACKGROUND: The complex relationship between foot posture, flexibility, body mass and age in children is not well understood. The objectives of this post hoc analysis were to explore the relationships between foot posture, flexibility, body mass in children aged seven to 15 years. METHODS: Thirty healthy, asymptomatic children (20 girls, 10 boys) aged 7 to 15 years with a mean age (SD) of 10.7 (2.3) years, were recruited through the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Podiatry Clinic, Auckland, New Zealand. Clinical data were collected by a podiatrist with 20 years' experience and included: height and weight (for Body Mass Index), Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI), Beighton score, Lower Limb Assessment Scale score (LLAS); and ankle lunge angle. For this post hoc analysis, Pearson's test and Spearman's rho were used to explore relationships between variables. Statistical significance level was p < 0.05. RESULTS: Data for each of the 30 participants for each variable were included in analyses, which returned the following statistically significant results: higher FPI was associated moderately with higher Beighton score (r = 0.44, p = 0.01); greater lunge angle was associated moderately with higher Beighton (r = 0.40, p = 0.02) and LLAS (r = 0.42, p = 0.02) scores; older age was associated strongly with higher BMI (r = 0.52, p = <0.01) and moderately with lower Beighton (r = -0.41, p = 0.024) and LLAS (r = -0.40, p = 0.03) scores; and higher Beighton score was associated strongly with higher LLAS (r = 0.85, p = <0.01). There was no difference in foot posture between girls and boys (p = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of healthy, asymptomatic children age 7 to 15 years, children with a more pronated foot type exhibited greater lower limb and whole-body flexibility, but not greater ankle joint flexibility. There was strong agreement between lower-limb and whole-body flexibility. This study highlights the importance of assessing the paediatric flat foot in the context of a developing body.

The relationship between paediatric foot posture and body mass index: do heavier children really have flatter feet?

BACKGROUND: Several studies have found positive correlation between flatfeet and increased body mass in children. One study, utilizing a differing method of foot posture assessment, found the inverse. The purpose of this study was to further explore the relationship between children's foot posture and body mass, utilizing the foot posture index in a large study population, as opposed to the footprint based measures of most previous studies. METHODS: Data for both foot posture index (FPI) and body mass index (BMI) for healthy children were acquired from five previous studies. The amalgamated dataset comprised observations for both BMI and FPI-6 in 728 children aged from three to 15 years. Three FPI-6 scores levels defined the range of flatfeet detected: FPI-6 ≥ +6; FPI-6 ≥ +8; FPI-6 ≥ +10. BMI cut-points were used to define overweight for each age group. RESULTS: In the study population of 728 children, flatfeet (FPI ≥ +6) were found in 290 (40 %) cases and non-flatfeet in 438 (60 %) cases. FPI ≥ +8 yielded flatfeet in 142 (20 %) cases and FPI ≥ +10 yielded flatfeet in 41 (5 %) cases. Whilst 272 (37 %) children were overweight, only 74 (10.1 %) of the overweight children had flatfeet (FPI ≥ +6), which diminished to 36 (4.9 %) at FPI ≥ +8, and 9 (1.2 %) at FPI ≥ +10. Significant and moderate correlation was found between BMI and age (r = 0.384, p < 0.01). Very weak, but significant, correlation was found between BMI and FPI (r = -0.077, p < 0.05). Significant mean differences between gender and BMI were found (t-test = 2.56, p < 0.05). There was strong correlation between FPI scores on left and right sides (r = 0.899, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study found no association between increased body mass and flatfeet in children, a finding in contrast to that repeatedly concluded by many previous studies. Whilst properties of the FPI and BMI are limiting, these findings question the concern about children's increased body mass as a specific influence on (flatter) foot posture, and also the validity of footprint versus anatomically based foot posture measures.

The Bangla clubfoot tool: a repeatability study.

BACKGROUND: 'Walk for Life' (WFL) is the sustainable clubfoot program in Bangladesh, where there are many challenges in implementing the Ponseti technique in a poor and highly populated country. The relapsing tendency of congenital clubfoot deformity means that initial results may well differ from those of the medium and longer term. Over 10000 children with16668 clubfeet have been treated by WFL since its inception in 2009. Such a large project provides both the need to evaluate each individual child's case, and also the opportunity to evaluate the wider WFL program results. Such systematic review requires a measure that is sufficiently robust, yet contextually practical, hence the aim of this work was to develop a tool for this purpose, and to report the examiner reliability. METHODS: The Bangla clubfoot tool was largely developed from components of existing validated clubfoot assessment measures, and adapted for local use. Three areas of examination are included: parent satisfaction, gait, clinical examination of the clubfoot. A same-subject repeated measures study design was used to assess the intra-rater reliability of a local WFL physiotherapist, and a visiting WFL volunteer. The inter-rater reliability was also assessed, which is relevant for other examiners and other clubfoot projects undertaking evaluation of medium and longer term results. RESULTS: The reliability study was conducted in 37 children who had commenced treatment for congenital clubfoot deformity using Ponseti method within the previous two years. The mean age of the children was 2.6 years, with gender 28 male: 9 female. The intra-rater reliability results [ICCs (95% CI)] were: 0.87 (0.76 - 0.93) for the local WFL examiner, and 0.82 (0.64 - 0.91) for the visiting examiner. Inter-rater reliability results [ICCs (95% CI)] were: 0.92 (0.88 - 0.96). Hence the tool showed very good intra-rater and inter-rater reliability, rendering it suitable for use. CONCLUSIONS: The Bangla clubfoot tool has been developed to suit the context of the large WFL clubfoot program in Bangladesh, and shown to be a very reliable evaluation instrument.

The efficacy of nonsurgical interventions for pediatric flexible flat foot: a critical review.

BACKGROUND: The pediatric flat foot frequently presents as a common parental concern in the health care setting. Foot orthoses are often used, yet benefits are uncertain and disputed, having been variably investigated. A recent Cochrane review cites limited evidence for nonsurgical interventions. This critical and structured review evaluates the effect of pediatric foot orthoses from assessment of the current literature. METHODS: A systematic search of the following electronic databases: Medline, CINAHL, AMED, and SPORTDiscus, using an array of search terms. A further search was also performed on relevant reference listings. Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed journal articles, publication date from 1970 onwards, in the English language. Exclusion criteria were surgery interventions, adult subjects, rigid flat foot, articles based on opinion. A structured Quality Index was used to evaluate the research quality of articles. Three reviewers independently assessed the studies with disputes resolved by majority consensus. Studies were then grouped according to the outcome measures used. RESULTS: Thirteen articles, from an initial 429, met the criteria for quality evaluation. The mean Quality Index score was 35% (range: 13% to 81%), indicative of generally poor and varying methodological quality. CONCLUSIONS: The low quality of the studies negates definitive conclusions. Only 3/13 quality evaluations scored > 50%; hence, evidence for efficacy of nonsurgical interventions for flexible pediatric flat feet is very limited. Future research needs validated foot type assessment, applicable outcome measures for the intervention, the use of control groups, allowance for independent effects of footwear, age range comparisons, larger samples, and prospective, longer follow-up. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There is very limited evidence for the efficacy of nonsurgical interventions for children with flexible flat feet. Clinicians need to consider the lack of good-quality evidence in their decision-making for the management of pediatric flat foot.

Screening for foot problems in children: is this practice justifiable?

Podiatry screening of children is a common practice, which occurs largely without adequate data to support the need for such activity. Such programs may be either formalised, or more ad hoc in nature, depending upon the use of guidelines or existing models. Although often not used, the well-established criteria for assessing the merits of screening programs can greatly increase the understanding as to whether such practices are actually worthwhile. This review examines the purpose of community health screening in the Australian context, as occurs for tuberculosis, breast, cervical and prostate cancers, and then examines podiatry screening practices for children with reference to the criteria of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Topically, the issue of paediatric foot posture forms the focus of this review, as it presents with great frequency to a range of clinicians. Comparison is made with developmental dysplasia of the hip, in which instance the WHO criteria are well met. Considering that the burden of the condition being screened for must be demonstrable, and that early identification must be found to be beneficial, in order to justify a screening program, there is no sound support for either continuing or establishing podiatry screenings for children.

Preliminary evaluation of implementing the Ponseti method for correction of clubfoot in Vietnam.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the short-term results of the non-surgical Ponseti method training programs run in Ho Chinh Minh City, Vietnam. METHODS: A questionnaire was developed and distributed to the 57 trainees who had completed one of the 3-day training courses. RESULTS: Of the 57 questionnaires distributed, 36 (63%) were completed and returned for evaluation. Most responders were continuing to use the Ponseti method for management of clubfoot. On average, each trainee had treated 16 babies with clubfoot, most of whom were less than 12 months of age, within 2 years of the initial training course and were achieving good clinical correction. The major problems identified were the inability to perform an Achilles tenotomy, lack of availability of the foot abduction splint, and parent compliance. The course materials were being used for reference and for dissemination of the Ponseti method to other clinical peers. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of the Ponseti method training program for management of clubfoot in Vietnam revealed continued use of the technique at 12-24 months post-training. A longer term and more objective assessment of the babies/children treated and of the associated gait function and foot comfort would be beneficial.

The paediatric flat foot proforma (p-FFP): improved and abridged following a reproducibility study.

BACKGROUND: Concern about a child's flat foot posture is a common reason for frequent clinical consultations for an array of health care and medical professionals. The recently developed paediatric flatfoot clinical-care pathway (FFP) has provided an evidence based approach to diagnosis and management. The intra and inter-rater/measurer reliability of the FFP has been investigated in this study. METHODS: From a study population of 140 children aged seven to 10 years, a sample with flat feet was identified by screening with the Foot posture index (FPI-6). Subjects who scored >/= 6 on the FPI-6 for both feet became the study's flat foot sample. A same subject, repeated measure research design was used for this study which examined the reliability of the FFP in 31 children aged seven to 10 years, as rated by three examiners. RESULTS: Approximately half of the items of the FFP showed less-than-desirable inter-rater reliability, arbitrarily set at the conventional 0.7 level (intra-class correlations). Removal of the unreliable items has produced a shorter; more relevant instrument designated the paediatric flat foot proforma (p-FFP). CONCLUSION: The p-FFP is a reliable instrument for the assessment and resulting treatment actions for children with flat feet. Findings indicate that the simplified p-FFP is a reproducible instrument for the clinical assessment of flat foot in mid-childhood.

The flat-footed child -- to treat or not to treat: what is the clinician to do?

BACKGROUND: This article addresses the treatment of pediatric flatfoot with foot orthoses and explores the existing knowledge from an evidence-based perspective. METHODS: Studies investigating the use of foot orthoses for pediatric flatfoot were reviewed and ranked on the evidence hierarchy model according to research designs. Clinical guidelines and efficacy rating methods were also reviewed. RESULTS: Three randomized controlled trials exist, and a systematic review and possible meta-analysis of these studies is in progress. The results of these studies, although not definitive for the use of orthoses for pediatric flatfoot, provide useful direction. Clinical guidelines for the management of flatfoot are a useful supplement for clinical decision making and have been enhanced. CONCLUSION: This article presents a pragmatic and evidence-based clinical care pathway for clinicians to use for pediatric flatfoot. It uses a simple "traffic light" framework to identify three subtypes of pediatric flatfoot. The clinician is advised to 1) treat symptomatic pediatric flatfoot, 2) monitor (or with discretion simply treat) asymptomatic nondevelopmental pediatric flatfoot, and 3) identify and advise asymptomatic developmental pediatric flatfoot. (Children with juvenile arthritis should receive customized foot orthoses.) This approach will dispel much of the contention surrounding the use of foot orthoses in children.

Are foot posture and functional health different in children with growing pains?

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present paper was to investigate and compare findings of foot posture and functional health between groups of children aged 4-6 years with and without leg pain (described as "growing pains"). The null hypothesis: that there is no difference in measures of either foot posture or functional health between groups of children with and without leg pain. METHODS: A stratified random sample of children was obtained. The children were identified with and without leg pain using a validated questionnaire for parents. The examiner was blind to the children's pain status. The schools and child care centers were from each geographical quadrant of metropolitan Adelaide and a northern rural region of South Australia. One hundred and eighty children (94 boys, 86 girls) entered and completed the study. Children whose parents returned a completed questionnaire and consent form were entered into the study. All participants were assessed by the one examiner. The foot posture measures used were those found to be most reliable in previous studies and for which the intra-rater reliability of the examiner was ascertained. RESULTS: Initial analysis of foot posture measures between the leg pain and no leg pains groups indicated a statistically significant result for the measure of navicular height, but only on the left side (P = 0.033). Logistic regression modeling showed that navicular height (left foot only) was positively yet weakly related to growing pains (odds ratio, 1.072; 95% confidence interval: 0.991-1.160) and the effect was not significant (P = 0.08). Measures of functional health returned many statistically significant yet weakly correlated relationships. CONCLUSIONS: The null hypothesis of the present study was supported in terms of clinical significance. While the foot posture measure of navicular height on the left foot was statistically significant it was not predictive for growing pains nor clinically significant as a measure between groups. The present study does not support the anatomical theory for growing pains and does not find a meaningful relationship between foot posture or functional health measures and leg pain in young children.