A Review on Epidemiological Profile of Recurrent Congenital Clubfoot After Ponseti Correction

Abstract

Background: Clubfoot also known as congenital talipes equinovarus is one of the most common congenital deformities of the lower limb. Clubfoot can be classified as idiopathic and non-idiopathic by which however it presents the same with an inward, downward pointed foot. Clubfoot has a very strong tendency to recur despite full initial correction. Aim: To highlight on the types of clubfoot and summarize current evidence on the prevalence of clubfoot relapse and associated factors. Methods: Electronic databases of PubMed, research for life, Science direct, Google scholar, JAMA and Web of science were used for literature. The following keywords were used: clubfoot, relapse, recurrence, idiopathic, ponseti, talipes equinovarus, congenital, non-idopathic, foot abduction braces and associated factors. Reference lists of eligible studies were screened and studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. Results: Many reviewed studies showed that there were more relapse cases identified in the non-idiopathic type of clubfoot with an average of 40% as compared to idiopathic clubfoot. Furthermore, relapse cases were identified more in patients that did not adhere to the foot bracing regime. Conclusion: Despite full and correct treatment, clubfoot relapse still emerges. Numerous factors have been attributed to clubfoot relapse with non-compliance to the foot abduction braces being the dominant factor. Furthermore, non-idiopathic clubfoot was more inclined to relapse due to increased rigidity of the ankle joint.