Abstract
Aim: Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV) is managed in a variety of ways, with little agreement on how best to assess outcome. Some authors advocate patient based subjective assessments, while others use a variety of objective measures. Without agreement, it is impossible to evaluate different management methods. We have therefore evaluated a number of objective parameters compared to a subjective assessment following management of CTEV. Methods: 216 children and their families consented to participate in the study. The children had been managed in a number of hospitals across Scotland, and in a variety of ways. Outcome was assessed by a researcher not involved in the management of the children. Subjective assessment consisted of a postal questionnaire. Objective assessment consisted of a number of anthropometric measures. Results: A strong correlation was seen between subjective assessment, and several objective outcome measures including foot length discrepancy, calf muscle wasting, and range of movement at the ankle. Conclusions: Objective assessment using several parameters correlates well with subjective assessment. Using these objective measures, it is possible to evaluate and compare different management protocols in CTEV.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
