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TREATMENT OF CLUBFEET BY CONTINUOUS PASSIVE MOTION: 15 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE



Abstract

Since 1987, we have treated 37 clubfeet with a continuous passive movement (CPM) machine rather than by surgical release.

After 6 months of physiotherapy and splintage, all feet still exhibited equinus and varus deformities. CPM treatment improved equinus and varus in all cases and in 33 feet there was no need for surgery.

However, there was progressive impairment: at 15-year follow-up, the results in six feet remained good, with some dorsiflexion possible, but recurrence of the equinus deformity in the other feet had necessitated surgical release, performed when patients were 2 to 10 years old.

CPM treatment can eliminate the need for surgery in mild clubfeet, and delay surgery in more severe cases. Performing a surgical release after 3 years will perhaps reduce the rate of recurrence of the deformity.

Secretary: Dr H.J.S. Colyn, Editor: Professor M.B.E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to SAOA, Box 47363, Parklands, Johannesburg, 2121, South Africa.