Guest guest Posted February 8, 2001 Report Share Posted February 8, 2001 There have been a few recent posts where people seem to be " sparring " about the relative merits of these two methods. I would like to lend some perspective. I don't think that it makes much sense to bicker about which method is best. I am awsomely impressed by ANY method that results in correction of the foot without open surgery. A tenotomy is basically nothing compared to tradional clubfoot surgery. It doesn't even rate in order of magnitude. Now, I too am a parent, although my son does not have a clubfoot, however I can well understand the sentiment that any invasive procedure is one too many. I have avoided circumcision and ear " tubes " on his behalf for that reason and because I didn't believe them necessary. I also have done tenotomies with local and/or topical anesthesia and the babies cried no more than with manipulation and casting. Sometimes there is a good reason and a place for such a procedure. Remember that the method of clubfoot treatment that I was trained in (I and most North American orthopaedic surgeons) results in an over 90% radical surgical release rate. The feet look (for the most part) great, but are much stiffer than non-operative feet. I got an email from a ish pediatric orthopaedic surgeon last week who told me that she adopted the Ponseti method just over a year ago and has corrected 14 feet in 12 babies. She has not done an open release in 18 months. I have now not done an open release in over six months and have seven patients that I have treated in this manner. I don't know much about the physio method, but as you know I am also interested in it because (if you believe their results) although they may not be as good as Ponseti's reports they are still WAY better than the current surgical standard of care. It makes no sense to argue about one being better than the other. What you and your children are part of is the beginning of a tretment revolution that I believe will radically change how we treat this disorder. We need to learn from both schools and pull together. son Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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