Abstract
Introduction
In cases of unilateral clubfoot, the leg and foot is visually smaller than the opposite, uninvolved side. Parents want to know how much smaller the leg and foot will be. The purpose of this study was to answer this question and compare the results of children treated with a posterior medial release (PMR) with those treated with the Ponseti method (PM).
Methods
This is a prospective, longitudinal study of calf circumference and foot length. We measured the calf circumference with a tape measure at the visually maximum girth of the uninvolved side and at the symmetrical position of the involved side. We measured each foot length from the tip of the hallux to the end of the heel. We recorded the measurements at each follow-up visit in a database and analysed the data using linear regression analysis.
Results
We followed 93 children (65 PMR, 28 PM) for a mean of 68 months (SD 55, range 6-252) The ratio men/women was 53/40. Mean percent calf size difference was 9.83% (95%CL 8.74-10.92%). Mean percent foot size difference was 8.70% (95%CL 7.54-9.87%). From the numbers available, no differences between the two procedures are evident.
Conclusion
Children with a unilateral clubfoot have c10% smaller calf circumference and foot length as compared to the uninvolved side. We found no differences between children treated with PMR or PM, implying the smaller size is intrinsic to the condition and not due to type of treatment.
