The Ponseti Method is a highly effective, non-surgical treatment for children born with clubfoot, a congenital deformity that causes the foot to turn inward. Named after Dr. Ignacio Ponseti, the method has transformed the lives of thousands of children worldwide, offering a low-cost solution with lasting results. Here's a step-by-step guide to understanding how the Ponseti Method works.
Step 1: Initial Assessment
Once clubfoot is diagnosed, typically at birth, the treatment should begin as early as possible, ideally within the first two weeks of life. A pediatric orthopedic specialist will thoroughly assess the baby’s feet to determine the severity of the condition.
Step 2: Gentle Manipulation and Casting
The first phase of treatment involves weekly gentle manipulation of the baby’s foot. The doctor moves the foot into a corrected position and applies a long leg cast from toe to thigh to hold it in place. This process is repeated weekly, with each new cast gradually improving the foot’s alignment. Over the course of 4 to 8 weeks, corrections are achieved.
Step 3: Tenotomy
In many cases, a minor outpatient procedure called a tenotomy is required. This allows the foot to move into its final corrected position. The procedure is quick, with the baby receiving a local anesthetic, and a new cast is applied for an additional 3 weeks to ensure proper healing.
Step 4: Bracing
Once the final cast is removed, the child is fitted with a brace, also known as the foot abduction braces. These special shoes are connected to a bar and keep the feet in their corrected position. Bracing is crucial to prevent recurrence of clubfoot and must be worn for 23 hours a day for the first 3 months, and then during naps and nighttime sleep until the child is 4 to 5 years old.
Step 5: Follow-Up Care
Ongoing check-ups with the orthopedic specialist are necessary to monitor progress and ensure the clubfoot doesn't return. With proper care and adherence to the bracing schedule, the Ponseti Method boasts a success rate of over 95%, giving children the chance to walk, run, and live without limitations.