How do I know if my physician is using the Ponseti method correctly?
The Ponseti method relies heavily on an intimate knowledge of the components of the foot, and how to manipulate them in a certain way to obtain correction. It is a method that requires a certain “finesse” and not all physicians easily pick up on how to properly manipulate the foot. Some have called it an “art”. Physicians also need to see an adequate number of cases of clubfoot so that they stay well-practiced in this “art” of manipulation. Some physicians try to implement the Ponseti method based on reading textbooks. This may be enough for some doctors to obtain good results, but not others. The surest way to check your physician is to find out how many casts they typically need to correct a clubfoot and what their success rate of treatment without surgery is. You may also want to ask if they were trained in the method, and who they were trained by. Don’t be afraid to do your research on your physician and to ask for references and proof of results. Since the age of the child is sign
