Statistical shape modelling to analyse the talus in paediatric clubfoot

Abstract

Serial Ponseti casting occasionally fails to completely correct idiopathic clubfoot deformities and recurrence of deformity occurs. As these bones are largely unossified, statistical shape modelling (SSM) from MRI considers the entire set of shape features simultaneously and may provide a more accurate assessment of differences in bone morphology between two groups. The purpose of this study was to compare the shape of the talus in normal and clubfeet using direct geometric measurements and SSM. Both methods found significant differences between the control and clubfoot groups.