The Tug Test and Modified Ponseti Casting: A Simple and Reliable Method to Improve the Efficacy of Casting in Complex Clubfoot.

Background: The clinical entity of complex clubfoot poses a significant challenge to correction by slippage of casts which further complicates the deformity and prolongs the treatment. A static and dynamic component associated with this deformity causing cast slippage was recognized. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes at the end of the casting period while addressing these issues. Methods: A retrospective study of 17 patients with 25 complex clubfeet over a period of 2 years was conducted. Tug test was used to ascertain the snugness of the cast. To address the dynamic component, distal extent of the cast was limited to metatarsal heads. Results: The mean age of patients at diagnosis was 4.41 months (2-7 months). The mean pre-casting Pirani score was 4.8 (4-6) and post casting Pirani score was 0.4 (0-1). A total of 128 casts were applied to correct 25 complex clubfeet. The average number of casts required to achieve correction by the modified Ponseti technique was 5.12 (4-7). Overall, four incidences of cast slippage occurred. Conclusion: The modified Ponseti technique is effective in the correction of complex clubfoot. Tug test can detect casts which are prone to slippage. Limiting the distal extent of the cast to the metatarsal heads can reduce cast slippage by reducing the repeated downward pressure by the toes on the cast. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-023-00910-w.