Novel device for nonsurgical correction of rigid forefoot adduction in children

Forefoot adduction deformity (FAD) (commonly called metatarsus adductus) is reported as the most common congenital foot deformity in newborns. Early diagnosis and treatment are important in rigid cases, as better outcomes have been reported if treatment was initiated before 9 months of age. While casting and splinting is the current standard of care for nonsurgical management of rigid FAD (RFAD), several orthoses have demonstrated equal benefit. The Universal Neonatal Foot Orthotic (UNFO) brace is below ankle orthosis that provides continuous pressure, thereby correcting the deformity without casting. To the best of our knowledge, UNFO is the first brace that operates below the ankle. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of UNFO shoe to standard serial casting in the treatment of RFAD in infants. Between the years 2012 and 2019 we treated 147 feet (94 patients): 52 using the UNFO shoes and 95 by standard casting and splinting protocol. The treatment groups were compared based on treatment duration, complications, and recurrence of deformity. Mean full-time treatment duration was significantly shorter in the UNFO group, while no significant difference in the total duration of treatment was observed. Similar complication and recurrence rates were demonstrated. In conclusion, treatment with UNFO is equally effective to serial casting. The use of UNFO increases convenience and diminishes social burden, thus providing a distinct advantage over other treatment modalities.