Asian Journal of Orthopaedic Research

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the short term outcome of the Ponseti Method among children with clubfoot treated at Gatagara orthopedic and rehabilitation hospital from July 2017 To March 2019.

Study Design: This was a Retrospective analysis.

Place and Duration of Study:  The study was conducted at Gatagara Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital in Rwanda (GORH) from July 2017 To March 2019.

Methodology: All information needed were collected using a questionnaire. Part of information was extracted from patients’ files while the remaining was directly obtained from the parents/guardians. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive analysis was done. Informed consent was obtained from the parents or care givers before being included in the study.

Results: Fifty five children (91 feet) were involved in the study. Good short term outcome of Ponseti method was observed in 72.5% of cases. The mean initial Pirani score on Right foot decreased from 4.7(SD 1.14) to 0.6(SD 0.94) at the time of consultation. On the left foot the initial Pirani score mean decreased from 4.6 (SD 1.17) to 0.8(SD 1.2). The difference in both means was statistically significant (P ˂.001). Full time adherence on SFAB was reported in 43(78.2%) patients. Main challenges faced were late presentation for treatment, poor compliance with the treatment regime and financial constraints.

Conclusion: The difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment Pirani score means showed a statistically significant improvement (P˂.001). The success of the treatment in this study was estimated at 72.5% and the poor outcome was 27.5%. Main challenges faced at GORH were financial constraints, poor compliance with clinic appointment and the use of brace.