TITLE:
Management of Idiopathic Congenital Clubfoot at the Yaoundé Central Hospital
AUTHORS:
Nyanit Bob Dorcas, Salhou Aminou Sadjo, Mantho Fopa Pauline, Minfele Agnès Sara, Ntsobe Eric, Ditope Jessica Jihanne, Mvouni Bob Thérèse Raissa, Bekima King Francis, Ndongo René, Handy Eone Daniel, Mouafo Tambo Faustin Félicien
KEYWORDS:
Congenital Clubfoot (CCF), Yaoundé Central Hospital (YCH)
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.16 No.2,
March
16,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Congenital clubfoot (CCF) is a complex foot deformity combining varus, cavus, adduction and equinus. The Ponseti method is currently the gold standard treatment. The aim of our preliminary work was to assess the management of this condition at Yaoundé Central Hospital. Method: Over a period of ten years, in the paediatric surgery department of Yaoundé Central Hospital, we conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive study including all patients with idiopathic CCFEV (ICCFEV) treated using the Ponseti method. We focused on epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic aspects. Results: Mean annual frequency was 2.1 patients, 61.9% of whom were boys, with an average age of 107 days. The diagnosis was clinical only. The condition was bilateral in 71.4% of cases, with the right side being predominant. A malformation association was found in 14.3% of cases. The Ponseti method was the treatment of choice, resulting in plantigrade walking in 85.7% of cases. Residual varus was the most common complication. Conclusion: ICCFEV at YCH affects male infants with a bilateral form of clinical diagnosis, treated using the Ponseti method with convincing results.