Towards Better Control of Clubfoot Correction

Figure 1: Cast testing device set-up Table 1: Mean rate of change of angular displacement per interval. Figure 2: Mean angular displacement of three cast materials under the low torque. Towards Better Control of Clubfoot Correction +Cohen, T L; Smith, P; Altiok, H; Harris, G F +OREC, Milwaukee, WI, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, Shriners Hospital for Children, Chicago, IL [email protected] ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Clubfoot is a congenital deformity affecting the development of the lower extremity. It is characterized by an equinovarus deformity of the hindfoot, as well as cavus and adduction of the midfoot [1]. Treatments to correct foot positioning in clubfoot are typically performed during the first year of life and include surgical and conservative options. The Ponseti method is a conservative procedure, which involves a series of manipulations and castings followed by brace application, and often a percutaneous Achilles tenotomy. Although studies have qualitatively examined casts used in the Ponseti method, the appropriate casting material has not been identified based on mechanical properties. Investigations of pressure response on different cast materials concluded that these materials do exude a viscoelastic behavior [2]. Results from previous studies have indicated the potential success of the Ponseti method with the use of other cast materials [3]. Material selection could affect not only the comfort level of the patient but also the efficacy of the technique [4]. Three common cast materials utilized in orthopaedics are plaster of Paris, fiberglass, and Softcast (semi-rigid fiberglass). The purpose of this study is to quantitative compare the three cast materials used in conjunction with the Ponseti method to aid in identifying a more appropriate material for treatment.