Trascender con el seguimiento de las competencias adquiridas / Transcending with the follow-up of acquired competencies

El proceso de desarrollo y aprendizaje de las habilidades y los conocimientos médicos implica un complejo engranaje. Desde los primeros días en la escuela de medicina, así como durante el ejercicio cotidiano de la medicina general, la formación de un especialista e incluso la actividad diaria de un subespecialista, ese engranaje debe incluir el imperioso elemento de la educación continua, que permitirá no solo cumplir los requisitos de certificación necesarios para todos los profesionales de la salud, sino también brindar una atención segura y de calidad a los pacientes.1 En este sentido, dicha pieza fundamental del engranaje tiene desafíos muy interesantes, como el que se aborda a continuación

The process of developing and learning medical skills and knowledge involves a complex mechanism. From the first days in medical school, as well as during the daily practice of general medicine, the training of a specialist and even the daily activity of a subspecialist, this gear must include the imperative element of continuing education, which will allow not only meet the certification requirements necessary for all health professionals, but also provide safe and quality care to patients.1 In this sense, this fundamental piece of the machine has very interesting challenges, such as the one addressed below.

Health Literacy in Clubfoot: A Quantitative Assessment of the Readability, Understandability and Actionability of Online Patient Education Material.

BACKGROUND: Parents often access online resources to educate themselves when a child is diagnosed with clubfoot and/ or prior to treatment initiation. In order to be fully understood by the average adult American, online health information must be written at an elementary school reading level. It was hypothesized that current available online resources regarding clubfoot would score poorly on objective measures of readability (syntax reading grade-level), understandability (ability to process key messages), and actionability (providing actions the reader may take). Additionally, it was hypothesized that the outcomes measured would not correlate with the order of listed search results. METHODS: Patient education materials were identified utilizing two independent online searches (Google.com) of the term "Clubfoot". From the top 50 search results, websites were included if directed at educating patients and their families regarding clubfoot. News articles, non-text material (video), research and journal articles, industry websites, and articles not related to clubfoot were excluded. The readability of included resources was quantified using the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) Grade, Coleman-Liau Index (CLI), Gunning-Fog Index( GFI) and Automated Reading Index (ARI). The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) was used to assess actionability and understandability using a 0-100% scale for both measures of interest. RESULTS: Of the 55 unique websites, 37 websites (65.2%) met inclusion criteria. The mean FKGL was 9.2 (+/- 2.1) with only three websites (7.32%) having a reading level ≤6. Mean understandability and actionability scores were 67.2±12.6 and 25.4±25.2, respectively. Thirteen (35%) websites met the understandability threshold of ≥70% but no websites met the actionability criteria. No readability statistics were statistically associated with Google™ search rank (p=0.07). There was no association between readability (p=0.94) nor actionability (p=0.18) scores and Google™ rank. However, understandability scores did correlate with Google™ rank (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Overall, online clubfoot educational materials scored poorly with respect to readability, understandability, and actionability. There is an association with Google™ search rank for understandability of clubfoot materials. However, readability and actionability are not significantly associated with search rank. In the era of shared decision-making, efforts should be made by medical professionals to improve the readability, understandability, and actionability of online resources in order to optimize parent understanding and facilitate effective outcomes.Level of Evidence.

Distal chromosome 16p11.2 duplications containing SH2B1 in patients with scoliosis.

INTRODUCTION: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common musculoskeletal disorder with strong evidence for a genetic contribution. CNVs play an important role in congenital scoliosis, but their role in idiopathic scoliosis has been largely unexplored. METHODS: Exome sequence data from 1197 AIS cases and 1664 in-house controls was analysed using coverage data to identify rare CNVs. CNV calls were filtered to include only highly confident CNVs with >10 average reads per region and mean log-ratio of coverage consistent with single-copy duplication or deletion. The frequency of 55 common recurrent CNVs was determined and correlated with clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Distal chromosome 16p11.2 microduplications containing the gene SH2B1 were found in 0.7% of AIS cases (8/1197). We replicated this finding in two additional AIS cohorts (8/1097 and 2/433), resulting in 0.7% (18/2727) of all AIS cases harbouring a chromosome 16p11.2 microduplication, compared with 0.06% of local controls (1/1664) and 0.04% of published controls (8/19584) (p=2.28×10-11, OR=16.15). Furthermore, examination of electronic health records of 92 455 patients from the Geisinger health system showed scoliosis in 30% (20/66) patients with chromosome 16p11.2 microduplications containing SH2B1 compared with 7.6% (10/132) of controls (p=5.6×10-4, OR=3.9). CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent distal chromosome 16p11.2 duplications explain nearly 1% of AIS. Distal chromosome 16p11.2 duplications may contribute to scoliosis pathogenesis by directly impairing growth or by altering expression of nearby genes, such as TBX6. Individuals with distal chromosome 16p11.2 microduplications should be screened for scoliosis to facilitate early treatment.

Management of Clubfoot Relapses With the Ponseti Method: Results of a Survey of the POSNA Members.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high rate of initial success using the Ponseti method to manage idiopathic clubfoot deformity, relapse continues to be a problem. We surveyed the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America (POSNA) members about their experience with relapsed deformity following the initial correction of clubfeet. METHODS: We created a survey to focus on the management of clubfeet after initial correction of deformity. The survey included questions on postcorrective bracing, clinical findings used to identify relapse, the observed frequency of relapsed deformity, and how relapses are managed. The questionnaire was approved by the POSNA Evidence Based Committee and was sent electronically to all POSNA members. RESULTS: We received responses from 321 members (26%). Of those, 94% were fellowship trained in pediatric orthopaedics. The Ponseti method was used by 98% of respondents. The Mitchell-Ponseti orthosis was most commonly used (51%), followed by the Denis-Browne brace (25%). The duration of bracing used varied among members with 23% recommending only 2 years, 33% recommending 3 years, and 34% recommending 4 years. A tight heel cord was felt to be the first sign of relapse by 59% of respondents, and dynamic supination by 30%. The rate of relapse was observed to be <10% by 22% of the respondents, 10% to 20% by 52%, and 20% to 40% by 25%. Manipulation and cast treatment alone (55%) and cast treatment with tenotomy (23%) were reported as the 2 most common initial treatment approaches for a relapsed deformity. Cast treatment to correct relapsed deformity before tibialis anterior tendon transfer was reported by 62% of respondents. Heel cord tenotomy (75%) and posterior capsular release (43%) were the 2 most common procedures used in addition to tibialis anterior tendon transfer for the treatment of clubfoot relapse. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the wide variation with which clubfoot relapses are evaluated and treated among the POSNA membership with differences in the recommended duration of bracing, identification of relapses, and their management. These wide differences highlight the need for future research and educational programs to inform and standardize the management of clubfoot using the Ponseti Method. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable.

A missense variant in SLC39A8 is associated with severe idiopathic scoliosis.

Genetic factors predictive of severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are largely unknown. To identify genetic variation associated with severe AIS, we performed an exome-wide association study of 457 severe AIS cases and 987 controls. We find a missense SNP in SLC39A8 (p.Ala391Thr, rs13107325) associated with severe AIS (P = 1.60 × 10-7, OR = 2.01, CI = 1.54-2.62). This pleiotropic SNP was previously associated with BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood manganese level. We replicate the association in a second cohort (841 cases and 1095 controls) resulting in a combined P = 7.02 × 10-14, OR = 1.94, CI = 1.63-2.34. Clinically, the minor allele of rs13107325 is associated with greater spinal curvature, decreased height, increased BMI and lower plasma manganese in our AIS cohort. Functional studies demonstrate reduced manganese influx mediated by the SLC39A8 p.Ala391Thr variant and vertebral abnormalities, impaired growth, and decreased motor activity in slc39a8 mutant zebrafish. Our results suggest the possibility that scoliosis may be amenable to dietary intervention.

Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty for Legg-Calvé-Perthes Syndrome: 20 Year Follow-Up Study.

Background: Patients with Legg-Calvé-Perthes Syndrome (LCPS) are at an increased risk for developing osteoarthritis of the hip and undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) at an early age. Importantly, this younger age may put them at a higher risk for failure and revision surgery. The purpose of the study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes as well as implant failure rate and risk for revision surgery at an average 20 years follow up. Methods: Data from LCPS patients treated with THA were collected including age, gender, operative date, revision date, as well as reason for and type of revision. Living patients filled the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaires at the time of last follow-up. Radiographs were evaluated for lucencies, debonding, loosening, osteolysis, wear, heterotopic ossification and sclerosis. Results: Nineteen patients (20 hips) treated with THA were followed-up for a mean of 18.3 years (range, 10.1 - 36.2 years). Radiographic evidence of lucency of the acetabular component was seen in 70% of the patients and femoral cortical hypertrophy in 85% at last follow-up. The rate of revision for any reason was 35%, mostly due to aseptic acetabular loosening. Conclusions: Our findings support the use of THA for the treatment of OA in patients with LCPS, bearing in mind the potentially lower survival rate at 20 years as compared those treated with THA for primary OA. Further studies are needed to identify the possible causes of the high rate of cortical hypertrophy seen in this patient population.Level of Evidence: IV Therapeutic.

Joint hyperlaxity prevents relapses in clubfeet treated by Ponseti method-preliminary results.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of joint hyperlaxity (by Beighton score) as a protective factor for clubfoot relapse. METHODS: Patients with idiopathic clubfoot treated with the Ponseti method between January 2004 and December 2012, without other congenital foot deformity, and not previously treated by open surgery were included in either the Relapse group (n = 23) if it was a clubfoot relapse or the Control group (n = 19) if no relapse was noted. Joint laxity was evaluated using the Beighton score at the latest follow-up against the Normal group (n = 22, children matched by sex and age without clubfoot deformity). RESULTS: We found a significantly higher joint laxity in the Control group (4.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1-7.06) as compared to the Relapse (3.17, 95% CI: 1.53-4.81, p = 0.032) and Normal (3.14, 95% CI: 1.78-4.5, p = 0.03) groups. The univariate logistic regression showed a 5.28-times increase in the risk of relapse for a Beighton score lower than 4/9 points (odds ratio = 5.28; 95% CI = 1.29-21.5; p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Joint hyperlaxity could be a protective factor for clubfoot relapse.

The 2018 Nicholas Andry Award: The Evidence Base for the Treatment of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: The Iowa Contribution.

This review summarizes evidence developed at the University of Iowa concerning the management and outcomes of developmental dysplasia of the hip beginning with the observations and analyses of Dr Arthur Steindler in the early 1900s. The strong evidence-based practice tradition established by Steindler 100 years ago continues as we critically evaluate our procedures and patient outcomes, only altering approaches when warranted by strong personal and research evidence. Our practice continues to be conservative in that we strive to produce the best environment possible for the hip to develop on its own and operate only when less invasive methods have failed.

5'-methylschweinfurthin G reduces chondrosarcoma tumor growth .

New treatment options are urgently required in the field of chondrosarcoma, particularly of chondrosarcomas with a well-differentiated hyaline cartilage-like extracellular matrix (e.g., collagen II and proteoglycan-rich) phenotype, notoriously resistant to drug penetration, and having potential of progression towards higher grade. We investigated the feasibility of using 5'-methylschweinfurthin G (MeSG) as a tumor suppressor agent in the Swarm rat chondrosarcoma, an intermediate- to high-grade chondrosarcoma model, having a hyaline cartilage-like phenotype. Tumor cell culture studies were performed to identify their proliferative and cytotoxicity sensitivity to MeSG. Tumor burden mice were treated with MeSG and analyzed for tumor growth, morphology and regression. The chondrosarcoma tumor cells had a half maximum cytotoxicity concentration (IC50 ) of 35 nM MeSG; approximately 300-fold less than freshly isolated rat chondrocytes (IC50 of 11 µM). Multiple injections of MeSG (20 mg/kg, body weight) resulted in reduced/eliminated tumor growth over a 17-day period in mice, and an 83% reduction (p = 0.023) in tumor mass. Three out of ten MeSG treated mice had complete elimination of tumor. Tumors of treated mice had a decrease in chondrosarcoma cell proliferation (p = 0.012) and an increase in cell death (p = 0.030) compared with tumors of control mice. These findings in an animal model demonstrate the effectiveness of MeSG for treatment of rat chondrosarcomas, and may have the potential use as a therapeutic option for the difficult-to-treat intermediate-to high-grade hyaline cartilage-like chondrosarcoma. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1283-1293, 2018.

Ponseti method treatment of neglected idiopathic clubfoot: Preliminary results of a multi-center study in Nigeria.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Ponseti method for initial correction of neglected clubfoot cases in multiple centers throughout Nigeria. METHODS: Patient charts were reviewed through the International Clubfoot Registry for 12 different Ponseti clubfoot treatment centers and 328 clubfeet (225 patients) met inclusion criteria. All patients were treated by the method described by Ponseti including manipulation and casting with percutaneous Achilles tenotomy as needed. RESULTS: A painless plantigrade foot was obtained in 255 feet (78%) without the need for extensive soft tissue release and/or bony procedures. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the Ponseti method is a safe, effective and low-cost treatment for initial correction of neglected idiopathic clubfoot presenting after walking age. Long-term follow-up will be required to assess outcomes.

Results of Ponseti Brasil Program: Multicentric Study in 1621 Feet: Preliminary Results.

BACKGROUND: The Ponseti method has been shown to be the most effective treatment for congenital clubfoot. The current challenge is to establish sustainable national clubfoot treatment programs that utilize the Ponseti method and integrate it within a nation's governmental health system. The Brazilian Ponseti Program (Programa Ponseti Brasil) has increased awareness of the utility of the Ponseti method and has trained >500 Brazilian orthopaedic surgeons in it. METHODS: A group of 18 of those surgeons had been able to reproduce the Ponseti clubfoot treatment, and compiled their initial results through structured spreadsheet. RESULTS: The study compiled 1040 patients for a total of 1621 feet. The average follow-up time was 2.3 years with an average correction time of approximately 3 months. Patients required an average of 6.40 casts to achieve correction. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that good initial correction rates are reproducible after training; from 1040 patients only 1.4% required a posteromedial release. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Bracing in Ponseti Clubfoot Treatment: Improving Parental Adherence Through an Innovative Health Education Intervention.

Clubfoot is the most common musculoskeletal birth defect, characterized by abnormal tendon and muscle development, leading to abnormal bone alignment of the feet. The Ponseti method is considered the gold standard in clubfoot treatment, and consists of a series of plaster castings, followed by 4 years of brace use. The most common cause of clubfoot relapse is nonadherence with the bracing protocol by the child's caretakers. The purpose of this study was to design, implement, and evaluate an educational bracing program for parents of children with clubfoot in an effort to improve bracing adherence. The educational bracing program for parents of children with clubfoot was designed with incorporation of findings from previous research, adult teaching methodology, and parental feedback. An educational brochure and a practice doll were created for use in educational sessions with parents during routine treatment visits. Two educational sessions were conducted with a health educator, employing identical questionnaires to assess changes in parental knowledge and skills upon completion of the program. Thirty parents completed the educational bracing program, and the majority reported increased knowledge and self-efficacy regarding the bracing protocol of the Ponseti method. In addition, the health practitioners who conducted the educational sessions witnessed an improved ability of all parents to apply the brace as directed, and to recognize and correct improper fit. Completion of the educational program by the parents resulted in immediate improvements in knowledge and skills related to clubfoot bracing. Given that noncompliance to the bracing protocol is the most common cause of clubfoot relapse, these immediate effects of the educational program are promising not only because they encourage proper brace use, but because these immediate improvements have the potential to reduce future rates of clubfoot relapse.

A polygenic burden of rare variants across extracellular matrix genes among individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex inherited spinal deformity whose etiology has been elusive. While common genetic variants are associated with AIS, they explain only a small portion of disease risk. To explore the role of rare variants in AIS susceptibility, exome sequence data of 391 severe AIS cases and 843 controls of European ancestry were analyzed using a pathway burden analysis in which variants are first collapsed at the gene level then by Gene Ontology terms. Novel non-synonymous/splice-site variants in extracellular matrix genes were significantly enriched in AIS cases compared with controls (P = 6 × 10(-9), OR = 1.7, CI = 1.4-2.0). Specifically, novel variants in musculoskeletal collagen genes were present in 32% (126/391) of AIS cases compared with 17% (146/843) of in-house controls and 18% (780/4300) of EVS controls (P = 1 × 10(-9), OR = 1.9, CI = 1.6-2.4). Targeted resequencing of six collagen genes replicated this association in combined 919 AIS cases (P = 3 × 10(-12), OR = 2.2, CI = 1.8-2.7) and revealed a highly significant single-gene association with COL11A2 (P = 6 × 10(-9), OR = 3.8, CI = 2.6-7.2). Importantly, AIS cases harbor mainly non-glycine missense mutations and lack the clinical features of monogenic musculoskeletal collagenopathies. Overall, our study reveals a complex genetic architecture of AIS in which a polygenic burden of rare variants across extracellular matrix genes contributes strongly to risk.

The Ponseti Method in Low and Middle Income Countries: Challenges and Lessons Learned.

Diffusing a health care innovation like the Ponseti method in low and middle income countries requires more than the application of the traditional continuing medical education approach of providing lectures on the topic. Challenges include limited personnel, competing priorities, inadequate medical supplies, and limited resources. Experience has indicated that the best chances of success in establishing such a program include identifying and advising in-country "champions" to provide the leadership, energy, and direction to build the program.

Prenatal Ultrasound Diagnosis of Congenital Talipes Equinovarus in Bogota (Colombia) Between 2003 and 2012.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV) or clubfoot is one of the most common congenital abnormalities(1,2). Early diagnosis by means of ultrasonography allows an opportune intervention and improves the deformity's correction prognosis. GOAL: To describe patients diagnosed with CTEV by means of prenatal sonographies between 2003 and 2012 in Bogotá (Colombia) at both the Institute de Ortopedia Infantil Roosevelt (IOIR) and one of the authors' private office. METHODS: A descriptive, retrospective study on the focus population was made. The equality of the data of the quantitative variables in distance measure was analysed by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. For the variables "prenatal diagnoses" and "days from the start of the treatment" the Mann-Whitney U test was used. Finally, an analysis was made by means of the SPSS Statistics software package, version 18.0. RESULTS: 178 patients met the selection criteria. 34.3% of the patients had a prenatal diagnosis by ultrasonography (n=61). Regarding the number of prenatal ultrasounds performed, there were statistically significant differences between the patients with a CTEV prenatal diagnoses and those whose diagnoses came after birth, being higher in the first group (p<0.001). The number of days before the treatment started once the pre or postnatal diagnosis was done was also a subject of study. Significant differences were found in the treatment start between patients with a prenatal diagnosis (mean of 9.9 days) and those diagnosed after birth (mean of 30 days) (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: prenatal diagnosis by foetal ultrasonography contributes to an early detection of musculoskeletal abnormalities such as CTEV and promotes an early intervention of the patient.

The Heel Pad in Congenital Idiopathic Clubfoot: Implications of Empty Heel for Clinical Severity Assessment.

BACKGROUND: Clubfoot has been evaluated in many ways, including the most common classifications of clubfoot, described by Caterrall and Piraniis based on six clinical signs. The purpose of this study was to gain better understanding of the heel pad in relation to the term "empty heel", and to propose modification of clubfoot severity scoring system based on "empty heel". METHODS: A combination of prospective study of 79 clubfoot patients treated with Ponseti method and literature review of heel pad anatomy and biomechanics. The setting was a university teaching hospital. The ethical research committee approved study protocol and informed consent of patients' parent obtained. The selection criteria included patients' diagnosed congenital idiopathic clubfoot, age < 2 years, no history of previous treatment and tenotomy indicated. An evaluation of patient was assessed by orthopaedic surgeons trained on Ponseti method and has above 5 years experience. Data analysis performed on the age, sex, Pirani scores at onset of treatment, tenotomy, and 6 month after initial full correction. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-two clubfeet in 79 patients (56 males, 23 females) completed Ponseti protocol. The median age at presentation was 5.2 months (range 0.1-23.7 months). The mean right foot abduction after correction 57.30 (S.D. 9.20), and for the left foot, was 56.30 (S.D. 9.40). The mean right foot dorsiflexion was -13.70 (S.D. 18.40) before correction while after correction, it was 20.00 (S.D. 4.50) and for the left, the mean was -8.50 (S.D. 9.60) before correction and 21.00 (S.D. 4.30) after correction. Eighteen (22.8%) patients (10 bilateral, 9 unilateral) had clubfeet with empty heel score above zero point at initial full correction (p<0.001). Clinic anatomy shows the heel pad is a solid complex structure existing in normal, moderate and severe atrophied form. Heel pad is attached tightly to calcaneus without a cavity for the calcaneus to drop. CONCLUSIONS: Heel pad probably could replace "empty heel" in modify Pirani scoring system. Clinical indication for repeat tenotomy should be based on equinus, not on the feeling of an empty heel, and families can be advised that the heel pad has a tendency to remodel over time to a normal shape. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Empty heel feeling at initial full correction of congenital idiopathic clubfoot based on Ponseti protocol is not indication for repeat tenotomy.

Photovoice and Clubfoot: Using a Participatory Research Method to Study Caregiver Adherence to the Ponseti Method in Perú.

The Ponseti Method of casting and bracing is the gold-standard treatment for congenital clubfoot in young children. Despite its many advantages, outcomes depend heavily on caregiver adherence to the treatment protocol. Our study explored the experience caregivers had with the Ponseti method using a photography-based participatory research method known as Photovoice. Five adult caregivers were recruited from families pursuing clubfoot treatment at the Children's Hospital in Lima, Perú, during June, 2013. Each was provided a digital camera and training and agreed to photograph their experiences caring for a child undergoing Ponseti Method clubfoot treatment. Participants held four to five weekly one-on-one meetings with the researcher to discuss their photos. They also attended a group meeting at the end of the study to view and discuss photos of other participants. Using photos collected at this meeting, participants identified themes that summarized their experiences with treatment and discussed ways to improve delivery of care in order to support caregiver adherence to treatment. These results were presented to clinicians in Lima who use the Ponseti Method. The Photovoice method allowed researchers and participants to study the experience caregivers have with the Ponseti Method, and results can be used to inform the design of patient-based care models.

Long-term results of tibialis anterior tendon transfer for relapsed idiopathic clubfoot treated with the Ponseti method: a follow-up of thirty-seven to fifty-five years.

BACKGROUND: Relapse of idiopathic clubfoot deformity after treatment can be effectively managed with repeat casting and tibialis anterior tendon transfer during early childhood. We evaluated the long-term effects on adult foot function after tibialis anterior tendon transfer for relapsed idiopathic clubfoot deformity during childhood. METHODS: Thirty-five patients (sixty clubfeet) in whom idiopathic clubfoot was treated with the Ponseti method from 1950 to 1967 were followed. At an average age of forty-seven years (range, thirty-seven to fifty-five years), the patients underwent a detailed musculoskeletal examination, radiographic evaluation, pedobarographic analysis, and surface electromyography (EMG). They also completed three quality-of-life patient questionnaires. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (twenty-five clubfeet, 42%) had required repeat casting and tibialis anterior tendon transfer in childhood for relapsed clubfoot deformity after initial casting and served as the study group. Twenty-one patients (thirty-five clubfeet, 58%) were successfully treated with initial casting without relapse (the reference group). No patient in either group had subsequent relapse or required additional operative intervention associated with clubfoot deformity. The mean ankle dorsiflexion was similar between the groups. Radiographically, the tendon transfer group showed a smaller mean anteroposterior talocalcaneal angle and slightly more talar flattening than the reference group with no associated clinical differences. Peak pressures, total force distribution, and surface EMG results were not significantly different between the groups. Outcome questionnaires demonstrated no significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Tibialis anterior tendon transfer is very effective at preventing additional relapse of deformity without affecting long-term foot function of patients with idiopathic clubfoot.

Tibialis Anterior Tendon Transfer for Relapsing Idiopathic Clubfoot.

INTRODUCTION: A relapsed idiopathic clubfoot can be effectively treated with transfer of the entire tibialis anterior tendon to the mid-dorsum of the foot following repeated manipulations and serial casts. STEP 1 PREOPERATIVE PLANNING: Ensure that the foot has been adequately corrected for tendon transfer by performing both clinical and radiographic evaluation. STEP 2 PREPARE THE PATIENT: Position the patient supine, induce general anesthesia, and perform a caudal block for postoperative pain management. STEP 3 IDENTIFY AND RELEASE THE TIBIALIS ANTERIOR TENDON FROM ITS INSERTION: Identify the tibialis anterior tendon and release its insertion on the medial cuneiform and first metatarsal bones. STEP 4 PREPARE THE TENDON AND SURROUNDING TISSUES FOR TRANSFER: Release obstructing tissues and prepare the freed tendon for lateral transfer to the mid-dorsum of the foot. STEP 5 PREPARE THE LATERAL CUNEIFORM FOR TENDON TRANSFER AND FIXATION: Identify the lateral cuneiform with fluoroscopy and prepare it for transfer of the tibialis anterior tendon. STEP 6 TRANSFER AND SECURE THE TENDON: Make a subcutaneous path, transfer the tendon, and secure it in the osseous tunnel of the lateral cuneiform. STEP 7 POSTOPERATIVE CARE: We apply a long leg cast and restrict patients to non-weight-bearing for six weeks. RESULTS: The tibialis anterior tendon transfer has been used to treat relapsing idiopathic clubfoot with great success for more than fifty years.IndicationsContraindicationsPitfalls & Challenges.

A case report of bilateral mirror clubfeet and bilateral hand polydactyly.

We report a rare case of a patient with bilateral mirror clubfeet and bilateral hand polydactyly. The patient presented to our orthopaedic clinic with bilateral mirror clubfeet, each with eight toes, and bilateral hands with six fingers and a hypoplastic thumb. The pattern does not fit any described syndrome such as Martin or Laurin-Sandrow syndrome. Treatments by an orthopaedic pediatric surgeon and an orthopaedic pediatric hand surgeon are described. The patient achieved excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes at four year follow-up.