During the Ponseti treatment of congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), the most common component that CANNOT be corrected by casting alone and usually requires surgical release is:

• A Cavus
• B Forefoot adduction
• C Hindfoot varus
• D Equinus ✓

Explanation

In the Ponseti method, CAVE components (Cavus, Adductus, Varus, Equinus) are corrected in sequence by serial casting. Cavus is corrected first by supinating the forefoot; adductus and varus are corrected together by abducting the foot while maintaining supination; equinus (the last component, <5° dorsiflexion) typically requires a percutaneous Achilles tendon tenotomy in approximately 80–90% of cases because the contracted Achilles tendon cannot be stretched sufficiently by casting alone. Posterior capsulotomy is sometimes needed for resistant cases.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.