What is the orthopaedic support for clubfoot?

The exact cause of congenital clubfoot is unknown and is related to genetics and fetal position in utero. The visible deformities include ankle ptosis, hindfoot pronation, and forefoot pronation in a sickle shape. In the past, the medical profession has widely advocated surgical treatment for congenital clubfoot after the age of 2-3 years. Due to the late treatment, the surgery is more traumatic and the foot tissues are more damaged, often resulting in joint stiffness, walking pain, osteoarthritis, etc. The comprehensive efficacy is not satisfactory, and the long-term functional results have many problems, affecting the activities of the foot and ankle and the patient’s quality of life. In recent years, most scholars in the world have reached a consensus on the following issues: if congenital clubfoot is treated appropriately at an early stage, most of them can obtain a better correction of the deformity; if it is not treated, it will be disabled for life and affect life and work. The initial treatment of congenital clubfoot should be non-surgical, and the neonatal period is the best time to treat congenital clubfoot. The Ponseti method of treatment for congenital clubfoot, advocated by Professor Ponseti of the University of Iowa, has shown good long-term results after decades of follow-up studies, with the majority of cases being treated successfully and even achieving the goal of a completely normal foot. The Ponseti method can correct all deformities of the clubfoot simultaneously through gentle manipulation, which consists of early continuous cast orthosis with percutaneous Achilles tendon release (very minimal trauma) and supplemented by foot abduction orthosis bracing. The treatment of the child can be started after birth, massage with one thumb at the talus bone against pressure, which is the center of the foot deformity is also the fulcrum of the manual massage correction, a thumb must be on top of it, while abducting the forefoot, massage every 1-2 hours for 5 minutes, until a week after birth to start a series of plaster orthosis, once a week to change, a total of 4-6 times. After the cast orthosis and Achilles tendon release, it is necessary to wear the support in time to obtain good results. Horseshoe foot orthotic support: Horseshoe foot orthosis starts with manipulation and plaster orthosis, but the maintenance of horseshoe foot orthosis depends on the correct use of orthotic support or not. Correct use of the orthosis can lead to a good recovery and prevent recurrence. The commonly used orthotic support for clubfoot is the Denis-Brown brace, which is based on the principle of placing the affected foot in an abducted and externally rotated position, which is, in effect, an overcorrected position. Then. It is then connected to the contralateral foot by a connecting bar (beam) so that the corrected position can be maintained. The abducted and externally rotated position of the affected foot can be adjusted and fixed by means of a knob on the bottom of the foot. However, there is a basic requirement: the abduction of the affected foot should be 60 to 70 degrees, and the normal foot should be 30 to 40 degrees. When holding the child, the crossbar of the Denis-Brown brace can be supported by hand. Ankle-foot braces can be used for older children. How to use an orthopedic brace for clubfoot: How to put on the brace: As long as the weather is not very hot, it is recommended that the child wear cotton socks that act as a liner. Wear the brace on the outside of the liner. How to wear shoes: The Denis-Brown brace has a pair of shoes. The child’s foot was originally a drooping horseshoe foot, and after orthotics, the foot can be flattened, i.e., it can reach 90 degrees of dorsal extension. To maintain this position, the sole of the child’s foot should be placed in the heel position of the shoe, to be in close contact and not to leave a gap, leaving a gap means that the child’s foot is in a sagging state and the horseshoe deformity is prone to recurrence. The child’s foot was originally inwardly rotated (inwardly turned foot), after correction to the normal position, it is necessary to rely on the shoe abduction and external rotation position to maintain, and finally, tighten the shoelace and tie it firmly. Duration of brace use: 23 hours a day for the first three months, and every night and noon for the next 2-4 years while the child is sleeping. During the walking phase, the brace can be removed to allow the child to learn to walk easily, or an ankle-foot brace can be used.