Aims. The gold standard for percutaneous Achilles tendon tenotomy during the Ponseti treatment for idiopathic clubfoot is a tenotomy with a No. 15 blade. This trial aims to establish the technique where the tenotomy is performed with a large-bore needle as noninferior to the gold standard. Methods. We randomized feet from children aged below 36 months with idiopathic clubfoot on a 1:1 basis in either the blade or needle group. Follow-up was conducted at three weeks and three months postoperatively, where dorsiflexion range, Pirani scores, and complications were recorded. The noninferiority margin was set at 4° difference in dorsiflexion range at three months postoperatively. Results. The blade group had more dorsiflexion at both follow-up consultations: 18.36° versus 18.03° (p = 0.115) at three weeks and 18.96° versus 18.26° (p = 0.001) at three months. The difference of the mean at three months 0.7° is well below the noninferiority margin of 4°. There was no significant difference in Pirani scores. The blade group had more extensive scar marks at three months than the needle group (8 vs 2). No major complications were recorded. Conclusion. The needle tenotomy is noninferior to the blade tenotomy for usage in Ponseti treatment for idiopathic clubfoot in children aged below 36 months. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(8):871–878

Aims

Given the possible radiation damage and inaccuracy of radiological investigations, particularly in children, ultrasound and superb microvascular imaging (SMI) may offer alternative methods of evaluating new bone formation when limb lengthening is undertaken in paediatric patients. The aim of this study was to assess the use of ultrasound combined with SMI in monitoring new bone formation during limb lengthening in children.

Aims. There is a lack of high-quality research investigating outcomes of Ponseti-treated idiopathic clubfeet and correlation with relapse. This study assessed clinical and quality of life (QoL) outcomes using a standardized core outcome set (COS), comparing children with and without relapse. Methods. A total of 11 international centres participated in this institutional review board-approved observational study. Data including demographics, information regarding presentation, treatment, and details of subsequent relapse and management were collected between 1 June 2022 and 30 June 2023 from consecutive clinic patients who had a minimum five-year follow-up. The clubfoot COS incorporating 31 parameters was used. A regression model assessed relationships between baseline variables and outcomes (clinical/QoL). Results. Overall, 293 patients (432 feet) with a median age of 89 months (interquartile range 72 to 113) were included. The relapse rate was 37%, with repeated relapse in 14%. Treatment considered a standard part of the Ponseti journey (recasting, repeat tenotomy, and tibialis anterior tendon transfer) was performed in 35% of cases, with soft-tissue release and osteotomies in 5% and 2% of cases, respectively. Predictors of relapse included duration of follow-up, higher initial Pirani score, and poor Evertor muscle activity. Relapse was associated with poorer outcomes. Conclusion. This is the first multicentre study using a standardized COS following clubfoot treatment. It distinguishes patients with and without relapse in terms of clinical outcomes and QoL, with poorer outcomes in the relapse group. This tool allows comparison of treatment methods and outcomes, facilitates information sharing, and sets family expectations. Predictors of relapse encourage us to create appropriate treatment pathways to reduce relapse and improve outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):735–743

Background. Neglected clubfoot in this series is defined as untreated equino-cavo-adducto-varus in older children, or adults. Relapsed clubfoot is the residual deformity that remains after single or multiple surgical interventions. Severe neglected clubfoot rarely exists today in developed countries, except in some emigrants from low- and middle-income countries. Acute surgical management with corrective mid-foot osteotomy and elongation of the Achilles tendon has excellent functional outcome. Objective. To assess the functional outcome of acute correction of neglected Talipes-quino-varus deformity in adults. Methods. This is cross sectional, hospital–based study that took place in Khartoum, Sudan. Forty patients were included in this study. Midfoot osteotomy and elongation of the Achilles tendon were performed to all patients. Data was collected using a questionnaire and the functional outcome has been assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS). This score was measured before surgery and one years after surgery. Results. The mean age was 19.9±4.7 years. Males were 25 (62.5%) and females were 15 (37.5%). The mean preoperative AOFAS score was 37.7±7.1 (poor). This score improved to 80.7±13.7 (good to excellent), two years after surgery. However, this indicates significant change in the functional outcome after the operation (P value < 0.05). Excellent post-operative functional outcome was found among patients aged 18 – 23 years 18 (50%) P. value: 0.021. The majority of patients 36(90%) were fully satisfied with the operation, 2(5%) partially satisfied and 2(5%) were unsatisfied. Conclusion. Acute correction of neglected and relapsed TEV with elongation of the Achilles tendon and single midfoot osteotomy has excellent functional outcome as assessed by AOFAS Score. The satisfaction with this procedure is impressive. The younger age population showed better outcomes with this procedure

Background. Treatment of arthrogrypotic clubfoot (AC) presents a challenging problem. Over time many different methods have been proposed, with variable rates of success, recurrence and other complications. In this study we describe our 20-year experience in treatment of AC. Materials and methods. Between 1996 and 2016, 165 AC in 90 children (51 males and 39 females) were treated in our department. Their mean age was 7.6 years (3 months-16 years). Ponseti casting and Achilles tendon release (PCATR) was performed on 38 children (68 feet) and soft tissue release and casting (STRC) on 35 children (67 feet). The remaining 17 children (30 feet) underwent wide soft tissue release and correction using the Ilizarov method (STRIL). The results of each subgroup were graded according to clinical (pain, foot appearance, residual deformities, walking and standing status and shoe modifications) and radiological (anteroposterior and lateral talocalcanear angles, the angle between longitudinal axes of talus and the first metatarsal and the position of talus in the lateral view) criteria. Results. The average follow up was 6.4 (2–10) years. Results were excellent (plantigrade, painless, properly loaded feet, without deformities, adapted to common shoes) in 56 PCATR group feet, 59 STRC group feet and 23 STRIL group feet. Good results (required orthopaedic shoes) were obtained in 10 PCATR group feet, 6 STRC group feet and 7 STRIL group feet. Fair results (residual temporary pain and/or mild deformity) presented 2 PCATR group feet and 1 STRC group foot, while bad results (reoccurrence of clubfoot) were found in 1 STRC group foot. Conclusions. On the basis of our 20-year clinical experience we believe that pediatric AC can be successfully treated with PCATR in the age of less than 1 year old (y.o), with STRC between 1–5 y.o. and with STRIL in children over the age of 5 y.o

Aims

Children with spinal dysraphism can develop various musculoskeletal deformities, necessitating a range of orthopaedic interventions, causing significant morbidity, and making considerable demands on resources. This systematic review aimed to identify what outcome measures have been reported in the literature for children with spinal dysraphism who undergo orthopaedic interventions involving the lower limbs.

Aims

As an alternative to external fixators, intramedullary lengthening nails (ILNs) can be employed for distraction osteogenesis. While previous studies have demonstrated that typical complications of external devices, such as soft-tissue tethering, and pin site infection can be avoided with ILNs, there is a lack of studies that exclusively investigated tibial distraction osteogenesis with motorized ILNs inserted via an antegrade approach.

Aims

Implant failure has become more common as the number of primary total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs) performed has increased. Although revision arthroplasty has gained attention for functional preservation, the long-term results remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of revision TAA using a mobile-bearing prosthesis in a considerably large cohort; the risk factors for failure were also determined.

In 2010, we published results of Ponseti versus primary posteromedial release (PMR) for congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) in 51 prospective patients. This study reports outcomes at a median of 15 years from original treatment.

We followed 51 patients at a median of 15 years (range 13–17 years) following treatment of CTEV with either Ponseti method (25 patients; 38 feet) or PMR (26 patients; 42 feet). Thirty-eight patientsd were contacted and 33 participated in clinical review (65%), comprising patient reported outcomes, clinical examination, 3-D gait analysis and plantar pressures.

Sixteen of 38 Ponseti treated feet (42%) and 20 of 42 PMR treated feet (48%) had undergone further surgery. The PMR treated feet were more likely to have osteotomies and intra- articular surgeries (16 vs 5 feet, p<0.05). Of the 33 patients reviewed with multimodal assessment, the Ponseti group demonstrated better scores on the Dimeglio (5.8 vs 7.0, p<0.05), the Disease Specific Instrument (80 vs 65.6, p<0.05), the Functional Disability Inventory (1.1 vs 5.0, p<0.05) and the AAOS Foot & Ankle Questionnaire (52.2 vs. 46.6, p < 0.05), as well as improved total sagittal ankle range of motion in gait, ankle plantarflexion range at toe off and calf power generation. The primary PMR group displayed higher lateral midfoot and forefoot pressures.

Whilst numbers of repeat surgical interventions following Ponseti treatment and primary PMR were similar, the PMR treated feet had greater numbers of osteotomies and intra-articular surgeries. Outcomes were improved at a median of 15 years for functional data for the Ponseti method versus PMR, with advantages seen in the Ponseti group over several domains. This study provides the most comprehensive evaluation of outcomes close to skeletal maturity in prospective cohorts, reinforcing the Ponseti Method as the initial treatment of choice for idiopathic clubfeet

Aims

The Vantage Total Ankle System is a fourth-generation low-profile fixed-bearing implant that has been available since 2016. We aimed to describe our early experience with this implant.

The October 2023 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Outcomes of open reduction in children with developmental hip dislocation: a multicentre experience over a decade; A torn discoid lateral meniscus impacts lower-limb alignment regardless of age; Who benefits from allowing the physis to grow in slipped capital femoral epiphysis?; Consensus guidelines on the management of musculoskeletal infection affecting children in the UK; Diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip by ultrasound imaging using deep learning; Outcomes at a mean of 13 years after proximal humeral fracture during adolescence; Clubfeet treated according to Ponseti at four years; Controlled ankle movement boot provides improved outcomes with lower complications than short leg walking cast.

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the consensus best practice approach for the investigation and management of children (aged 0 to 15 years) in the UK with musculoskeletal infection (including septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, pyomyositis, tenosynovitis, fasciitis, and discitis). This consensus can then be used to ensure consistent, safe care for children in UK hospitals and those elsewhere with similar healthcare systems.

The April 2023 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup. 360. looks at: CT scan of the ipsilateral femoral neck in paediatric shaft fractures; Meniscal injuries in skeletally immature children with tibial eminence fractures: a systematic literature review; Post-maturity progression in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curves of 40° to 50°; Prospective, randomized Ponseti treatment for clubfoot: orthopaedic surgeons versus physical therapists; FIFA 11+ Kids: challenges in implementing a prevention programme; The management of developmental dysplasia of the hip in children aged under three months: a consensus study from the British Society for Children's Orthopaedic Surgery; Early investigation and bracing in developmental dysplasia of the hip impacts maternal wellbeing and breastfeeding; Hip arthrodesis in children: a review of 26 cases with a mean of 20 years’ follow-up

Flat-top talus (FTT) is a complication well-known to those treating clubfoot. Despite varying anecdotal opinions, its association with different treatments, especially the Ponseti method, remains uncertain. This systematic review aimed to establish the aetiology and prevalence of FTT, as well as detailing management strategies and their efficacy. A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines to search for articles using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science until November 2021. Studies with original data relevant to one of three questions were included: 1) Possible aetiology 2) Prevalence following different treatments 3) Management strategies and their outcomes. 32 original studies were included, with a total of 1473 clubfeet. FTT may be a pre-existing feature of the pathoanatomy of some clubfeet as well as a sequela of treatment. It can be a radiological artefact due to positioning or other residual deformity. The Ponseti method is associated with a higher percentage of radiologically normal tali (57%) than both surgical methods (52%) and non-Ponseti casting (29%). Only one study was identified that reported outcomes after surgical treatment for FTT (anterior distal tibial hemiepiphysiodesis). The cause of FTT remains unclear. It is seen after all treatment methods but the rate is lowest following Ponseti casting. Guided growth may be an effective treatment. Key words:. Clubfoot, Flat-top talus, Ponseti method, guided growth. Disclosures: The authors have no relevant disclosures

The April 2023 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Can you treat type IIA supracondylar humerus fractures conservatively?; Bone bruising and anterior cruciate ligament injury in paediatrics; Participation and motor abilities after treatment with the Ponseti method; Does fellowship training help with paediatric supracondylar fractures?; Supracondylar elbow fracture management (Supra Man): a national trainee collaborative evaluation of practice; Magnetically controlled growing rods in early-onset scoliosis; Weightbearing restrictions and weight gain in children with Perthes’ disease?; Injuries and child abuse increase during the pandemic over 12,942 emergency admissions.

Specific brace-fitting complications in idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) have been rarely described in published series, and usually focus on non-compliance. Our primary aim was to compare the rate of persistent pressure sores in patients fitted with Markell boots and Mitchell boots. Our additional aims were to describe the frequency of other brace fitting complications and identify age trends in these complications. A retrospective analysis of medical files of 247 idiopathic CTEV patients born between 01/01/2010 - 01/01/2021 was performed. Data was collected using a REDCap database. Pressure sores of sufficient severity for clinician to recommend time out of brace occurred in 22.9% of Mitchell boot and 12.6% of Markell boot patients (X. 2. =6.9, p=0.009). The overall rate of bracing complications was 51.4%. 33.2% of parents admitted to bracing non-compliance and 31.2% of patients required re-casting during the bracing period for relapse. For patients with a minimum follow-up of age 6 years, 44.2% required tibialis anterior tendon transfer. Parents admitting to non-compliance were significantly more likely to have a child who required tibialis anterior tendon transfer (X. 2. =5.71, p=0.017). Overall rate of capsular release (posteromedial release or posterior release) was 2.0%. Neither medium nor longterm results of Ponseti treatment in the Australian and New Zealand clubfoot have been published. Globally, few publications describe specific bracing complications in clubfoot, despite this being a notable challenge for clinicians and families. Recurrent pressure sores is a persistent complication with the Mitchell boots for patients in our center. In our population of Australian clubfoot patients, tibialis anterior tendon transfer for relapse is common, consistent with the upper limit of tibialis anterior tendon transfer rates reported globally

Aims

A national screening programme has existed in the UK for the diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) since 1969. However, every aspect of screening and treatment remains controversial. Screening programmes throughout the world vary enormously, and in the UK there is significant variation in screening practice and treatment pathways. We report the results of an attempt by the British Society for Children’s Orthopaedic Surgery (BSCOS) to identify a nationwide consensus for the management of DDH in order to unify treatment and suggest an approach for screening.

The December 2022 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Immobilization of torus fractures of the wrist in children (FORCE): a randomized controlled equivalence trial in the UK; Minimally invasive method in treatment of idiopathic congenital vertical talus: recurrence is uncommon; “You’re O.K. Anaesthesia”: closed reduction of displaced paediatric forearm and wrist fractures in the office without anaesthesia; Trunk range of motion and patient outcomes after anterior vertebral body tethering versus posterior spinal fusion: comparison using computerized 3D motion capture technology; Selective dorsal rhizotomy for individuals with spastic cerebral palsy; Scheuermann’s kyphosis and posterior spinal fusion; All-pedicle-screw constructs in skeletally immature patients with severe idiopathic early-onset scoliosis; Proximal femoral screw hemiepiphysiodesis in children with cerebral palsy.

The Ponseti method is the gold standard treatment for clubfoot. It begins in early infancy with weekly serial casting for up to 3 months. Globally, a commonly reported barrier to accessing clubfoot treatment is increased distance patients must travel for intervention. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the distance traveled by families to the hospital on the treatment course and outcomes for idiopathic clubfoot. No prior studies in Canada have examined this potential barrier. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients managed at a single urban tertiary care center for idiopathic clubfoot deformity. All patients were enrolled in the Pediatric Clubfoot Research Registry between 2003 and April 2021. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients presenting at after percutaneous Achilles tenotomy. Postal codes were used to determine distance from patients’ home address to the hospital. Patients were divided into three groups based on distance traveled to hospital: those living within the city, within the Greater Metro Area (GMA) and outside of the GMA (non-GMA). The primary outcome evaluated was occurrence of deformity relapse and secondary outcomes included need for surgery, treatment interruptions/missed appointments, and complications with bracing or casting. A total of 320 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 32.8% lived in the city, 41% in the GMA and 26% outside of the GMA. The average travel distance to the treatment centre in each group was 13.3km, 49.5km and 264km, respectively. Over 22% of patients travelled over 100km, with the furthest patient travelling 831km. The average age of presentation was 0.91 months for patients living in the city, 1.15 months for those within the GMA and 1.33 months for patients outside of the GMA. The mean number of total casts applied was similar with 7.1, 7.8 and 7.3 casts in the city, GMA and non-GMA groups, respectively. At least one two or more-week gap was identified between serial casting appointments in 49% of patients outside the GMA, compared to 27% (GMA) and 24% (city). Relapse occurred in at least one foot in 40% of non-GMA patients, versus 27% (GMA) and 24% (city), with a mean age at first relapse of 50.3 months in non-GMA patients, 42.4 months in GMA and 35.7 months in city-dwelling patients. 12% of the non-GMA group, 6.8% of the GMA group and 5.7% of the city group underwent surgery, with a mean age at time of initial surgery of 79 months, 67 months and 76 months, respectively. Complications, such as pressure sores, casts slips and soiled casts, occurred in 35% (non-GMA), 32% (GMA) and 24% (city) of patients. These findings suggest that greater travel distance for clubfoot management is associated with more missed appointments, increased risk of relapse and treatment complications. Distance to a treatment center is a modifiable barrier. Improving access to clubfoot care by establishing clinics in more remote communities may improve clinical outcomes and significantly decrease the burdens of travel on patients and families

Untreated clubfoot results in serious disability, but mild to moderate residual deformities can still cause functional limitations and pain. Measuring the impact of clubfoot deformities on children's wellbeing is challenging. There is little literature discussing the variability in outcomes and implications of clubfoot based on where geographically the child resides. Although the use of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) is steadily growing in pediatric orthopaedics, few studies on clubfoot have incorporated them. The most widely used PROM for pediatric foot and ankle pathology is the Oxford Foot and Ankle Questionnaire for Children (OXFAQ-C) that include a physical, school and play, emotional and shoe wear domains. The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and regional differences in scores of the OXFAQ-C questionnaire to identify functional disability in children with clubfoot in India and Canada. This is a retrospective cohort study of children in Indian and Canadian clubfoot registries aged 5-16 years who completed >1 parent or child OXFAQ-C. The OXFAQ-C was administered once in 01/2020 to all patients in the Indian registry, and prospectively between 06/2019 and 03/2021 at initial visit, 3, 6, 12 months post-intervention, then annually for the Canadian patients. Demographic, clubfoot, and treatment data were compared to OXFAQ-C domain scores. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were performed. Parent-child concordance was evaluated with Pearson's Coefficient of Correlation (PCC). The cohort had 361 patients (253 from India, 108 from Canada). Non-idiopathic clubfoot occurred in 15% of children in India and 5% in Canada, and bilateral in 53% in India and 50% in Canada. Tenotomy rate was 75% in India and 62% in Canada. Median age at presentation was 3 months in India and 1 month in Canada. Mean Pirani score at presentation and number of Ponseti casts were 4.9 and 6.1 in India and 5.3 and 5.7 in Canada, respectively. Parents reported lower scores in all domains the older the child was at presentation (p Canadians scored significantly lower for all domains (p < 0 .001), with the difference being larger for child-reported scores. The greatest difference was for physical domain. Canadian parents on average scored their child 6.21 points lower than Indian parents, and Canadian children scored a mean of 7.57 lower than Indian children. OXFAQ-C scores differed significantly between Indian and Canadian children despite similar demographic and clubfoot characteristics. Younger age at presentation and tenotomy may improve OXFAQ-C scores in childhood. Parent-child concordance was strong in this population. The OXFAQ-C is an adequate tool to assess functional outcomes of children with clubfeet. Cultural validation of patient reported outcome tools is critical