SynthesisBMC musculoskeletal disorders2026
Global prevalence, patterns, and predictors of relapse following Ponseti treatment for idiopathic clubfoot: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
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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.
The trial behind it
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Association between video-based Pirani Böhm Sinclair score and treatment recommendations in recurrent clubfoot in walking-age children.Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research · 2026Observational
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Authors and funding
10 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
backgroundThe Ponseti method is the current global standard for the management of idiopathic clubfoot and achieves high initial correction rates. However, relapse during childhood remains a clinically important challenge, with widely varying estimates reported across studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of relapse following Ponseti treatment and synthesize associated risk factors.
methodsA systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published between 1 January 2015 and 30 January 2026. Observational studies evaluating relapse in children (0-18 years) with idiopathic clubfoot treated using the Ponseti method were included. Random-effects meta-analysis with logit-transformed proportions was used to estimate pooled relapse prevalence. Heterogeneity was assessed using I
resultsTwenty-five studies involving 1,624 children met the inclusion criteria. In the primary analysis restricted to patient-level data, the pooled relapse prevalence was 26.4% (95% CI 20.4-33.5%), while sensitivity analysis including mixed units of analysis yielded a slightly lower estimate of 22.4% (95% CI 17.9-27.7%). Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I
conclusionsRelapse following Ponseti treatment remains clinically significant, affecting approximately one in four to one in five children. Brace non-compliance is the most important modifiable factor associated with relapse. Variability in relapse definitions, follow-up duration, and program implementation likely contribute to heterogeneity in reported outcomes. Strengthening brace adherence, ensuring prolonged follow-up, and standardizing clinically meaningful relapse definitions may improve long-term outcomes.
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