Nwdps protocol - A simple functional outcome assessment tool for clubfoot correction and a review of literature.

Introduction: Various clubfoot severity scoring systems are known to us. Dimeglio and Pirani Scoring systems are most widely used. Also, various treatment outcome measures have been proposed by researchers to assess patient satisfaction and results of treatment. None of the available methods are widely popular and amenable for routine use. A "nwdps protocol" was proposed for functional assessment of patients with clubfoot correction, where "n" was o pain during walking or running; "w" was ability to ear normal shoes; "d" was no significant ifference in foot/shoe size of both sides; "p" was lantigrade foot and "s" was ability of the child to quat without heel lift-off. The aim of this study was to test this functional outcome assessment tool for easy day to day use post clubfoot correction.

Methods: The nwdps protocol was applied to all the children at followup on a yearly basis who underwent clubfoot deformity correction in Department of Orthopaedics of our Institute between March 2016 and January 2018.

Results: Eighty children were enrolled for the study, 45 had bilateral affection while 35 had unilateral affection. In all 125 feet were treated for clubfoot correction and evaluated using nwdps protocol. Each child was assessed by 2 researchers independently. There was no difference in functional assessment of 2 observers. Fifty-nine children were nwdp positive, one was nwps positive, while 2 were dwps positive at the end of 1 year. 79 children became nwdps positive at the end of 2nd year of followup.

Conclusion: Nwdps protocol is a very easy to remember and easy to use functional outcome assessment tool post clubfoot correction with high degree of objectivity and interobserver reliability.

Level Of Evidence: Level IV.