Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41272751›Full record

SynthesisJournal of orthopaedic surgery and research2025

Effectiveness of the ponseti method in treating neurogenic clubfoot: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Xiangyang Shan, Jiale Fu, Weiming Hu, Feipeng Wang, Fuyun Liu, Bing Xia

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Xiangyang ShanDepartment of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
Jiale FuDepartment of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
Weiming HuDepartment of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
Feipeng WangDepartment of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
Fuyun LiuDepartment of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
Bing XiaDepartment of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China. 3593655057@qq.com.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe outcomes of the Ponseti method in neurogenic clubfoot remain uncertain due to deformity rigidity and high relapse risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ponseti treatment in pediatric neurogenic clubfoot.

methodsFollowing PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus through May 2025. Eligible studies reported Ponseti outcomes in pediatric neurogenic clubfoot. Two reviewers independently assessed study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed using R software (version 4.5.1) with the meta package in RStudio. Heterogeneity was assessed using I

resultsThirteen studies comprising 214 patients with 336 feet and mean follow-up of 3.6 years [range 2.0-12.0] were analyzed. Initial correction was achieved in 90% of cases (95% CI 86-93%), while long-term success declined to 77% (95% CI 53-90%). Recurrence occurred in 52% (95% CI 37-66%), and complications in 28% (95% CI 13-50%). Mean cast number was 5.88, with Achilles tenotomy required in 87% (95%CI 70-95%). Subgroup analysis revealed excellent homogeneity in myelomeningocele patients (I

conclusionsThe Ponseti method demonstrates significant efficacy in neurogenic clubfoot management, achieving initial correction in approximately 90% of cases. However, the elevated recurrence rate of 52% necessitates structured long-term surveillance and timely interventions to maintain correction. Given inherent sensory impairments in this population, vigilant monitoring for cutaneous complications is essential. These findings support the Ponseti method as the preferred initial treatment approach for neurogenic clubfoot.

trial registrationPROSPERO CRD420251060145.

Indexed as

Casts, SurgicalClubfootChildHumansInfantRecurrenceTreatment OutcomeClubfootMeta-analysisNeurogenicPonseti methodSystematic review

Identifiers

PMID41272751
PMCPMC12777138

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.