The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the early results of the Ponseti method when used for the treatment of idiopathic clubfoot among the population of the island of Crete.

Fourteen consecutive infants (twenty-one feet) with idiopathic clubfoot deformity were managed with the Ponseti method and were retrospectively reviewed at a minimum of six months. The severity of the foot deformity was classified according to the grading system of Pirani et al. The number of casts required to achieve correction was compared with published data for the treatment of idiopathic clubfoot. Recurrent clubfoot deformities or complications during treatment were recorded. Initial correction was achieved with a mean of 5.2 casts. Tenotomy and Dennis-Browne braces followed the cast applications. One foot had a relapse which was then treated by a repeat tenotomy at the age of 8 months. Two children abandoned the protocol because the parents could not comply with bracing. No extensive surgery is needed so far and all feet are flexible and pain free. X-rays when taken showed the talo-calac-neal angle within normal limits.

We support the use of the Ponseti method for the treatment of idiopathic clubfoot, since it can deliver flexible physiological feet, in the outpatient environment, thus avoiding the consequences of extensive open surgery.