Evidence brief
The Ponseti Method for Clubfoot Treatment
Serial manipulation and casting corrects clubfoot
Achilles tenotomy often needed for equinus
FAO bracing prevents recurrence
95%+ success rate with proper technique
Minimal surgery approach revolutionized treatment
The Ponseti method has become the global standard for idiopathic clubfoot treatment, dramatically reducing the need for extensive surgery.
Know Ponseti technique: CAVE correction sequence (cavus first, then adductus, varus, equinus). Weekly casts, typical 5-7 casts. Achilles tenotomy if <15° dorsiflexion. FAO bracing 23 hours/day for 3 months, then night/nap until age 4. Pirani score for monitoring.
Ponseti IV, Smoley EN. Congenital club foot: the results of treatment. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1963;45(2):261-344.
Level IV
Case series or case reports