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Includes bibliographical references (leaves 28-31).

The Ponseti technique of manipulation and casting is reported to have almost eliminated the need for extensive soft tissue release in the treatment of idiopathic clubfoot. This technique of treatment has however not been universally adopted and results of treatment vary significantly between treatment centres. Furthermore, surgical decision making in the treatment of clubfoot is currently largely based on clinical findings as opposed to radiographic parameters. The Ponseti method of manipulation and casting was introduced at our institution in 2002, prior to which we used the Kite method. Both prior to, and following the introduction of Ponseti casting, surgical decision making was based on pre-operative radiology, and intra-operative clinical assessment. We propose to determine the impact on this change of plastering technique on the rate of major surgery performed primarily in our patients with idiopathic clubfoot. We also aim to determine whether or not pre- operative radiographs have any bearing on the surgery performed on these patients.

Includes summary., Includes bibliographical references (leaves 47-50)., Rudimentary ulnar polydactyly is one of the most common congenital hand anomalies. These are conventionally treated by suture ligation in the neonatal period or by formal excision, when the child is one year of age. For the last three years, the Congenital Hand Unit at Red Cross Children’s Hospital has used vascular clip ligation as an alternative method of treatment for rudimentary ulnar polydactyly, based on the same principle as suture ligation, but with less associated complications. A study was performed at the unit, where two hundred and nineteen supernumerary digits were treated over a two-year period. The digits were ligated using a vascular clip, as an outpatient procedure.