Prof. Ignacio Ponseti of Iowa, USA revolutionized the treatment of Clubfoot. We, at Ananya Orthopaedic Center follow the principles of Ponseti in treating our children with clubfoot deformity. The treatment begins as early as 3-4 days after birth. It involves gentle corrective manipulation of these feet and holding the correction in above knee POP casts. These children do not need any anaesthesia or sedation for this gentle manipulation and cast application. One of the immediate family members can be present while this procedure is carried out. Typically these children would need between 4 & 6 corrective cast applications at weekly intervals. At this stage, majority of children would need a small surgical release of the heelcord (Achilles Tendon) for completion of correction. This heelcord release is a day-care procedure done under sedation, followed by the final corrective POP cast application. This cast will remain for 3 weeks. This completes the acute correction of clubfoot deformity.
Parents are an active part of this treatment protocol. They are equal share partners along with the treating surgeon in achieving & maintaining correction lasting a life time. As soon as the last POP cast is taken out, the child’s feet go into a Foot Abduction Brace (FAB) for maintenance of correction achieved by the plaster casts. The foot abduction brace is a devise with 2 boots attached with a bar, holding the feet in corrected position. Bracing is round the clock for the first 3 months and then for 16-20 hrs/ day based on the treating Surgeon's advice, for the next 3 years. Strict adherence to this bracing protocol is essential for achieving complete & lasting correction at the end of the treatment.
The commonest cause for recurrence of foot deformity after complete correction is deviation from this strict bracing protocol. Recurrent deformity is more difficult to treat, less likely to result in normal looking feet and may in some instances necessitate extensive surgery resulting in unsightly & painful scars!
Ponseti treatment is the most commonly practiced method of Clubfoot treatment around the world today and Ananya Orthopaedic Center is committed to offering this world-class treatment at an affordable cost.
Please feel free to talk to the Doctor for any more information that you may need.
