Clubfoot, a condition where the foot turns inward and downward, is best treated soon after birth. Our orthopedic team is specially trained to treat children with clubfoot and has worked with thousands of families. Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital offers the only Clubfoot Clinic in the region.
The goal of clubfoot treatment is to correct the position of the foot so that the bones grow and develop correctly. Our doctors use a minimally-invasive technique, the Ponseti method, to treat clubfoot. The Ponseti method produces excellent long-term patient outcomes.
Our multi-disciplinary clinic for clubfoot patients includes:
- Orthopedic surgeon Derek Kelly, MD
- Advance Practice Providers
- Residents and Fellows
- Physical Therapists
- Child Life Specialists
- Orthotists
What is the Ponseti method?
The Ponseti method was developed over 50 years ago. A study of adults treated with the method as babies had excellent long-term outcomes. The study shows that feet treated by Ponseti management are strong, flexible and pain free. Dr. Kelly is a preferred provider, named by Ponseti International.
The Ponseti method includes:
- Five to six weeks of weekly manipulations to your child’s foot or feet, followed by plaster cast applications.
- At the end of the casting period, your child may require a minor surgery to lengthen the heelcord.
- After surgery, your child will spend three additional weeks in casts.
- Your child will then be fitted for braces. Bracing is an essential part of the treatment of clubfoot and effectively prevents relapses. Use of the braces will be tailored to your child based on age and likelihood for relapse.
