Reverse "Ponseti" Casting in Treatment of Congenital Vertical Talus: A Clinical Trial

Background: The most common method of treatment for vertical talus is the extensive soft tissue release. A minimally-invasive method based on Dobb's serial casting (Reverse Ponseti) was introduced 15 years ago and has yielded significant results. The aim of this study was to investigate and compares the midterm results of Casting with the extensive soft tissue release method. Methods: 12 patients with vertical talus were included in a prospective study, 6 patients with 10 feet were treated with reverse ponseti, and 6 other patients with 10 feet with externsive soft tissue release. In an 18-24 months follow-up the results were compared together, using ankle range of motion, oxford questionnaire, and radiographic measurements. Results: The mean range of ankle motion was comparable in the two groups (p=0.35), the oxford questionnaire score was not statistically different between the two groups (p=0.876). Conclusion: With the comparable results between the "reverse-ponseti" casting land extensive surgical releases in this mid-term study, the casting technique is recommended because of its lower cost and noninvasive nature. Keyword: Foot Deformities, Congenital, Flatfoot, Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures Received: 9 months before printing; Accepted: 20 days before printing