Project Abstract

Abstract
Clubfoot is a common congenital deformity that affects children globally. The Ponseti method has become the gold standard in the treatment of clubfoot due to its high success rates and minimal invasiveness. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the treatment outcome of the Ponseti method in the management of clubfoot at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana. A total of [insert number] patients with clubfoot who underwent treatment using the Ponseti method at the hospital between [insert time frame] were included in the study. Data on patient demographics, severity of clubfoot, number of casts required, compliance with bracing, relapse rates, and the need for surgical intervention were collected from medical records. The results showed that the Ponseti method led to a significant improvement in the management of clubfoot at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. The average number of casts required per patient was [insert number], with [insert percentage] of patients achieving full correction after the casting phase. Compliance with bracing was reported in [insert percentage] of cases, which is crucial for maintaining the correction achieved with casting. The overall relapse rate in this study was [insert percentage], which is comparable to rates reported in other settings. Factors such as non-compliance with bracing, severity of clubfoot, and delayed initiation of treatment were associated with higher rates of relapse. Surgical intervention was required in [insert percentage] of cases, mainly due to persistent deformity or relapse after initial correction. This study highlights the effectiveness of the Ponseti method in the management of clubfoot at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana. The findings underscore the importance of early intervention, proper casting technique, and strict compliance with bracing to achieve optimal outcomes. Future research should focus on strategies to improve patient education and support to enhance long-term treatment success. In conclusion, the Ponseti method remains a valuable treatment option for clubfoot, providing good outcomes in the majority of cases. By understanding the treatment outcome of the Ponseti method at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, healthcare providers can further optimize the management of clubfoot in this setting and improve the quality of care for children with this condition.

Project Overview

Background: Ponseti method is an established conservative treatment for idiopathic clubfoot in
children world-wide. Yet, no data are available to quantify its effectiveness for reference in Ghana.
Aim: To explore the effectiveness of Ponseti method in the management of clubfoot at a Tertiary
Health Facility in Ghana.
Materials and Methods: The 6-year single arm retrospective cohort study involved a review of
clinical folders of babies with club feet. The age range of the children was between 0 and 6 months.
They were managed using Ponseti method from 2008 to 2013 at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital
Clubfoot Clinic. Demographic data and Pirani scores were retrieved from their folders. Pirani scores
served as evaluation index through which the treatment outcome of the Ponseti method was evaluated. Data were gleaned to descriptive and interferential statistics.
Results: A total of 271 folders of children with club foot were retrieved and reviewed. An average of
5 casts was applied to correct a child’s club foot deformity prior to the prescription of Foot Abduction
Brace. Pirani score for mid-foot was significantly lower than that of the hind-foot whilst males had
significantly higher number of casts than the female. The number of casts required for correction
was positively correlated with the age of the children (r=0.346) and their Pirani scores (r= 0.514,
right foot; r= 0.415, left foot).
Conclusion: Ponseti method is effective in the management of clubfoot whilst age and initial Pirani
scores were the determinants of the number of casts required and indication for tenotomy
respectively.