What is congenital clubfoot? Horseshoe foot is a common deformity of the bone and joint in newborns, with an incidence of 1 to 3 per 1,000, the cause of which has not yet been clarified. The deformity includes ankle plantar flexion, forefoot pronation, hindfoot pronation, high arched foot and other deformity components. This deformity severely affects the growth and development of children’s feet and is probably the most common congenital deformity in the field of orthopedics that requires specific treatment. When your child is born with a medially deviated foot, an examination by a pediatric orthopedic specialist can provide a clear diagnosis. What is the Ponseti treatment technique? The Ponseti technique is one of the internationally recognized non-surgical treatments for congenital clubfoot, proposed by Professor Ignacio V. Ponseti of the University of Iowa. The main method is: early (5-7 days after birth) manipulation with continuous cast orthosis, percutaneous Achilles tendonotomy, supplemented by foot abduction brace with connecting rods. What are the advantages of using the Ponseti technique in the treatment of clubfoot? After nearly fifty years of follow-up studies, it was found that the application of Ponseti technique can make the success rate of horseshoe foot deformity treatment more than 90%, and can make the patient obtain a strong, flexible and pain-free foot, which is widely promoted and applied internationally. can be corrected simultaneously, preserving the muscles and ligaments of the foot, thus preserving the developmental capacity and stability of the foot. (2) The operation of plaster is painless, the operation is minimally invasive, and the brace is easy to wear. (3) Good efficacy, simultaneous correction of all deformity factors of clubfoot, low recurrence rate and few long-term complications. (4) The child is spared the pain of major surgery and the parents have little financial burden. The basic principles of clubfoot treatment in China tend to be simple, effective and economical, with emphasis on early detection and early treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO), the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (PONSA) and the Global HELP Organization also advocate and support the promotion and application of the Ponseti method in the treatment of clubfoot worldwide. Introduction to the Ponseti technique for congenital clubfoot 1.When to start the Ponseti method of treatment? It is recommended that the earlier the better, the better, the child can be treated 5-7 days after birth. 2.How long does the Ponseti method treatment take? The cast from the toe to the base of the thigh is changed once a week, and the deformity can be basically corrected after 5-7 casts; for a particularly stiff foot, 8-9 casts may be required, and in most cases, a percutaneous heel-heel-over-tendonotomy is required to correct the plantarflexion deformity of the foot. After percutaneous Achilles tendotomy, all deformities of the clubfoot have been corrected. A final long leg cast lasting three weeks is required to allow good healing of the Achilles tendon and to maintain it at the proper length with minimal scar tissue. After the removal of the last cast, wearing a foot abduction brace with a linkage to maintain the orthosis obtained after the last cast is the Ponseti method to prevent recurrence of the deformity and is currently the only effective method. The brace should be worn around the clock for the first three months (not less than 23 hours per day), and then the brace can be worn for 12 hours at night and 2-4 hours during the day, for a total of 14-16 hours per day, until the child is 3-4 years old. Remember: the brace used in the Ponseti method is intended to maintain the acquired orthosis and prevent recurrence, not to correct the deformity; it should be reviewed every 1-2 years until the age of 8-10 years. 3. How effective is the Ponseti Method treatment? Parents can be sure to tell that if your child is otherwise normal, after systematic treatment by specialists, and your active cooperation, most (80-92%) can have near-normal feet with minimal differences from normal, and can also participate in sports. 4.What should parents cooperate in the treatment process? Parents should master the necessary knowledge of home care of the cast, check the blood circulation regularly, pay attention to the position of the toe tip and the cast, keep the cast dry and clean, and change the diaper frequently. Come to the hospital every 5-7 days to change the cast. Review regularly according to medical advice. Adhere to the application of foot abduction support with connecting rod is the key to prevent the recurrence of deformity and achieve successful treatment. 5.Can other deformed feet be treated with Ponseti technology? Yes, but only after diagnosis by a specialist, such as polyarticular contracture, rigid clubfoot with failed surgery, neuropathic clubfoot, etc.