Prognostic Factors for Relapse of Idiopathic Clubfoot: A Cohort Study

AIMS: The aim of our observational study was to investigate if initial severity of deformity, residual deformity post-casting, and age of cessation of bracing were predictive of clubfoot relapse. METHODS: Children with idiopathic clubfoot, treated at our institution from 2014 to 2022, were recruited. Initial and post-casting Pirani scores and range of motion, and age of cessation of bracing were compared between relapse and no relapse groups. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictive factors. RESULTS: = 0.021) significantly predicted relapses. Study limitations are discussed in the full text. CONCLUSION: Greater initial medial crease score and residual empty heel score were associated with higher relapse rates. Physiotherapy follow-up for at least five years is recommended. Findings may inform targeted follow-up strategies for high-risk children.