Result of 2-year treatment of syndromic congenital vertical talus with dobbs method (reverse ponseti) in 21 patients

Abstract

Background: Congenital vertical talus (CVT) is a common foot deformity that occurs at birth and has two forms of syndromic and idiopathic. Treatments of this disorder include serial casting or surgical correction. Several studies have shown that Dobbs method (reverse Ponseti) is effective in improving deformity and function of the foot. The aim of this study was to evaluate 2-year treatment of syndromic vertical talus with this method. Methods: In this retroespective study, 21 patients with congenital vertical talus with neuromuscular disease and/or genetic syndrome from 2007 to 2014 referred to Shohada Hospital of Tabriz were studied. 35 feet (14 patients with bilateral and 7 patients with unilateral involements) with syndromic type of disorder, using manipulation and serial casting with Dobbs method (reverse Ponseti) treated by an orthopedic surgeon and serial radiographs in 2 years follow-up were performed to control. Results: The mean age of the patients was 16.9±20.9 years and the average number of cast was 7.5±1.6. Talocalcaneal angle and talus-base of first metatars angle significantly decreased after treatment (P<0.0001). There was no significant age-related changes in the studied angles (P>0.05). There was no significant correlation between talocalcaneal angle changes and the number of cast (P=0.108), but there was a significant association between talus-base of first metatars angle (P=0.015). Conclusion: This study showed that treatment with Dobbs method has successfully improved the foot deformity in the patients with syndromic CVT.