The impact of nutritional status on the success of the ponseti method in clubfoot patients: A systematic review

Purpose: This literature review aims to assess the impact of malnutrition on the Ponseti method, a widely used non-surgical approach for treating clubfoot, and to evaluate the importance of nutritional status in achieving successful outcomes. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases using the keywords ''malnutrition,'' ''Ponseti method,'' ''clubfoot,'' ''non-surgical treatment,'' ''surgical outcomes,'' and ''nutritional status.'' Studies published between 2010 and 2023 were considered for inclusion. A total of 12 relevant articles were reviewed. Results: Malnutrition is a significant risk factor for poor outcomes in clubfoot patients treated with the Ponseti method. Malnourished patients are more likely to experience delayed wound healing, increased infection risk, impaired cognitive function, and decreased bone density, all of which can negatively impact the success of the treatment. Malnourished children also have a higher relapse rate and require a longer duration of treatment compared to well-nourished patients. Improving nutritional status through appropriate measures is crucial for achieving a successful outcome. Vitamin D deficiency is a prevalent issue in clubfoot patients, and addressing this through supplementation has been shown to improve success rates. Conclusions: The results of this review highlight the importance of assessing nutritional status in clubfoot patients undergoing the Ponseti method. Addressing malnutrition and optimizing nutritional status can prevent complications, reduce treatment duration, and increase the success rate of the treatment. Clinicians should routinely evaluate and manage the nutritional status of clubfoot patients to ensure the best possible outcomes.