Clinico-sonographical evaluation of idiopathic clubfoot and its correction by Ponseti method - A prospective study.

BACKGROUND

Objective evaluation of infant with clubfoot is required as conventional imaging modality is of limited usefulness. Ultrasound shows to be a promising technique for assessing deformity and monitoring of clubfoot correction.

AIM: Study was done to evaluate the deformity sonographically; to assess the changes in these parameters after treatment by Ponseti method and to correlate these ultrasonographic variables with clinical Pirani score.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

82 feet in 54 children were observed. Clinical assessment was done using Pirani six point system and ultrasound machine with 7.5-12MHz linear transducer was used to measure several parameters and data obtained was assessed to derive correlation between sonographic parameters and clinical system.

RESULTS

Medial malleolus navicular distance (MMN) measured on medial view, calcaneo-cuboid distance (CCD) and calcaneo-cuboid angle (CCA) measured on lateral view, talar length (TAL) measured on dorsal view and tibio-calcaneal distance (TCL) measured on posterior view showed statistical significance. Sonographic parameters correlated statistically with Pirani scoring system on measuring Pearson correlation coefficient.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound is a relatively simple, non invasive and widely available procedure that can improve pathomorphological documentation of nonossified clubfoot and its correction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II prospective study, as per guidelines for authors.