Ponseti Method
Treatment Process
The treatment of clubfoot using Ponseti Method in most cases involve 5-8 weeks of serial casting.
The cast is removed after 5-7 days and the process is repeated. The foot should be in a fully corrected position after 5-6 casts.
After 2 months of serial casting, the child will wear a foot abduction brace–a simple bar and shoes device–that keeps the feet in a set position to prevent relapse.
90% of CTEV can be relapse
The brace is worn for 23 hours a day for the first 3 months. Then at night and during naps for 4-5 years. The brace prevents the corrected feet from relapsing. The bracing is extremely important during this phase to prevent relapsing.
Although many parents worry about their child tolerating the brace, most people find the children get used to it quickly and learn to kick, crawl, stand up and even walk in the brace.
Treatment Stage
In treatment phase, involve 5-6 stages of serial casting took by your child's doctor.
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The cast will be removed after about a week, and the doctor will once again reposition your child’s foot
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This process will be repeated every week until your child’s foot is in correct outward position.
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Typically, the foot should be in fully corrected position after 5-6 series of casts.
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When the foot is in its improved outward position, most children need minor surgery (tenotomy) to lengthen their Achilles tendon.
Maintenance Stage
Clubfoot bracing is crucially important to your child’s long-term mobility. The brace purpose is to maintain foot in a corrected position.
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Where can I get my child's first bracing?
An Orthotist plays important role in prescribing your child's bracing. Come and ask advices from any Orthotist near yours at the end of the treatment phase.
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From the end of the treatment stage until your child is 3 to 6 months old, they will wear the brace about 22 hours a day.
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After this initial period, your child’s doctor will probably say it’s OK for your child to wear the brace at night and at nap time, about 15 or 16 hours a day.
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When your baby is ready to learn how to crawl, and then walk, run, and play, they can do so with the brace off.
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You will need to follow the bracing program strictly until your child is 4 years old
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