Comparison of Casting Materials for the Treatment of Clubfoot Using the Ponseti Method

Comparison of Two Different Cast Materials for the Treatment of Congenital Idiopathic Clubfoot Using the Ponseti Method: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of cast material on correction of congenital idiopathic clubfeet using the Ponseti method.

Congenital idiopathic clubfoot is the most common congenital deformity in children. It can be a major cause of disability for children, as well as an emotional stress for parents. The Ponseti method of clubfoot correction, consisting of serial manipulations and casting, is now the gold standard of treatment. It has traditionally been described using plaster of Paris (POP) above-knee casts; however, recently semi-rigid fiberglass softcast (SRF, 3M Scotchcast) has grown in popularity. There are currently no randomized controlled trials to prove its efficacy with respect to POP.

Inclusion Criteria:

• congenital idiopathic clubfoot

Exclusion Criteria:

• positional equinovarus
• teratologic etiologies of clubfoot
• treatment started at another center
• refuse randomization
• do not understand English