Does functional treatment of idiopathic clubfoot reduce the indication for surgery? Call for a widely accepted rating system.

Abstract

We present our experience of treatment by physiotherapy, continuous passive motion and strapping in a series of 100 clubfeet classified on a scale of severity according to Dimeglio. Twenty-five percent were good after conservative treatment, and 75% required an operation. There were no recurrences or additional procedures. Before the introduction of the functional treatment in our department, 100% required some sort of surgical intervention and 51% required an additional procedure. In comparison with the results published by Dimeglio et al., the greatest discordance is observed in grade 2 clubfeet.