Late recurrence of clubfoot deformity: a 45-year followup

Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2003 Jun:(411):188-92. doi: 10.1097/01.blo.0000065837.77325.19.

Abstract

Idiopathic clubfoot is one of the most common congenital deformities. Regardless of the mode of treatment, clubfoot has a tendency to relapse until the age of 5 years. Relapses are rare in patients after 5 years of age. A 45-year followup of a patient with idiopathic clubfoot treated as a newborn with the Ponseti method is reported. The patient had both clubfeet well-corrected as seen clinically and radiographically with this method. However, recurrent deformities developed bilaterally when the patient was 8 years old. Because of the late recurrence of this deformity, the patient had a thorough neurologic evaluation, which was normal. Treating physicians should be aware of the possibility of late recurrence in patients who have had complete correction of their clubfoot deformity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Casts, Surgical
  • Clubfoot / diagnostic imaging
  • Clubfoot / surgery
  • Clubfoot / therapy*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Recurrence
  • Splints