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PFFD: Treatments

A number of treatment options have been described over the years. Even now (2005) a uniformity of opinion does not exist. Unfortunately there have been no large-scale, long-term outcomes studies for PFFD. It has been frequently said that each case of PFFD is unique and needs to be treated on it's own merit. To a degree this is true, yet some basic principles do apply and help with the decision making.

One thing to keep in mind is that bio-technology is now changing quite rapidly. The treatments of today may not be the preferred ones five years from now. So if you are a new parent you will probably be reviewing the armamentarium with your physician not now but in a few years. As you find out new and reliable information please feel free to add to this site in the style Mike originally set-up.

The goal of treatment is to provide optimal function and acceptable appearance. The treatment plan is based on three basic factors: 1)bilateral (both legs) or unilateral (one leg), 2) severity (length discrepancy, Aitken Class, Paley Class etc.), and 3) presence or absence of a functional foot and ankle.1

PFFD book: