Ponseti's clubfoot treatment: a method in need of correction?

A clubfoot is a common congenital deformity of the foot. Worldwide the Ponseti method is the accepted treatment method for clubfoot. In this method, the treating physician manipulates the foot into a slightly better position and fixates this position with a plaster cast that stays on for a week. After five or six weekly cast changes the position of the foot is corrected. An abduction brace is worn for several years to prevent relapse.

The research in this thesis describes how aspects of the Ponseti method are quantified and gives pointers for improvements. Both a literature study and a study with force sensors on the foot suggest that the weekly cast change interval is unnecessary long. A surprising
observation was a temperature drop due to water evaporating from the cast, creating an uncomfortably long cold period for the children.


Concepts for a dynamic clubfoot brace were developed as an alternative treatment method. Such a brace would apply a constant force on the foot rather than a constant position, making the correction process more efficient and possibly more comfortable. Patents would be able to temporarily remove the brace to allow bathing of their child and the soft materials of the brace makes cuddling a pleasant experience again.