This article has been written to help worried parents who are expecting, or have, a baby with clubfeet. The purpose of the article is to pass on information about the success of the Ponseti Method of treating clubfeet without major surgery. The motivation for writing the article is that the author personally knows a family who are deeply grateful for what the late Dr. Ponseti and his Method have done for their child. Their child was born with distal arthrogryposis.
Clubfoot
According to the Ponseti International website, clubfoot is a congenital deformity which occurs when the muscles, tendons and bones develop abnormally during pregnancy. Each year about 150,000 to 200,000 babies are born with clubfoot. Researchers believe both genetic and environmental factors play their part.
Clubfoot and Surgery
The view is expressed on the Ponseti International website that extensive surgery does not cure clubfoot. It may result in an improvement in the appearance of the foot. However, the downside is that the muscles may lose their strength and there is the potential of stiffness during the second and third decade of the patient's life. Note that sometimes a minor operation is needed to release the Achilles tendon. This can be done under local anesthetic.
The Ponseti Method
The Ponseti method involves manipulation of the feet and the application of plaster casts with minimal or no surgery. It should start during the first or second week after the baby is born. This is to take advantage of the elasticity of the tissues in the ligaments and tendons in the baby's feet. Braces are also used.
The Ponseti method of treatment is based on the inherent properties of connective tissue, cartilage and bone. These respond to the proper mechanical stimuli which is brought about by the gradual reduction of the deformity. See the Ponseti International website for more details.
The Ponseti Method to Treat Clubfeet Needs to be More Widely Known
The Ponseti Method was developed by the late Dr. Ponseti, who joined the Orthopaedic Faculty of the University of Iowa in 1944. The Homepage of Ponseti International advises that in August 2006, the American Academy of Pediatrics endorsed the Ponseti Method. The method is now being used to help children all over the world.
It is clear from the homepage of Ponseti International that many, many people are very grateful for the way the Ponseti Method has helped their children with clubfeet. It is also clear that the Ponseti Method brings hope.
Learning More About Dr. Ponseti and His Method
Parents who wish to learn more about the Ponseti Method can go to the hompage of Ponseti International. A good place to start is with a letter that Dr. Ponseti wrote to parents before he passed away on October 18th 2009, aged 95 years. Dr. Ponseti continued helping children almost up until his death. Asked before his death why he had not retired, Dr. Ponseti replied with words to the effect that "the children keep coming."
There are many encouraging testimonials and videos on the website, surely the most powerful proof that the Ponseti Method is successful are the grateful testimonies of mothers – there are plenty on the site. Some of the expressions of gratitude are very moving.
Contacting the Ponseti Team
The Ponseti team is based at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa in the United States. When accessed on 23rd November 2010, the contact page of Ponseti International gave the telephone number of the University of Iowa, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, as +1 (319) 467 5107. Check the telephone number on the contact page.
The sooner the treatment starts for a child with clubfeet, the better. Children (and their families) who undergo the Ponsetti Method are treated with compassion.
Helpful Advice for Parents of Children with Clubfeet
Join this Yahoo discussion group. The group is dedicated to sharing helpful information about clubfeet and its treatment. Online you will make contact with brave and caring mothers and fathers doing their best to help their children. You will find out how the Ponseti Method is working right now. This is a site where concerned mothers and fathers can meet online and learn from each other. It was online that the family referred to above learned about Dr. Ponseti.
Please note that this article is not intended to give medical advice. Always get professional medical advice quickly about club feet.
Sources:
Ponseti International Website - site accessed on 23rd November 2010
Yahoo discussion group - site accessed on 25th November 2010
An article on the treatment of Club feet on an NHS website - site accessed 29 November 2010
John Bartels - John is a Lawyer (retired). A qualified Attorney, Notary Public and Conveyancer John has a BA,LLB from the University of Cape Town, South ...
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