Re: Spoke to Owen's doctor today...

[Guest guest]

Daiga,

This is only my opinion but i would be very leary of using a doctor

that doesn't do the DBB. That is an important part of the

procedure. If they don't use the DBB their feet have a higher risk

of relapsing. Dr.Ponsetti even emailed me about the DBB. He said

that he has found that doctors and parents who take their children

out of the DBB to soon will have a much greater chance of relapse.

Have you emailed Dr.Ponsetti about your doctors practices and see

what he says about it? It may make you feel better and understand

the ponsetti method and procedures. I hope i don't offend you, i am

just voicing my opinion. We have had such success with the ponsetti

method, i just want Owen to have the same chance with a good ponsetti

doctor that is qualified.

Best wishes

(Isabella bilateral cf 10-12-02)

> We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak to

> Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified

form

> of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't

tell

> you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

> because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests that

> they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

> decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

> ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast just

to

> see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

> that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

> diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

> been a new challenge!).

>

> I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor doesn't

> use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do

either.

> So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I

think

> I need to find some research to present to him that would back up

the

> fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here don't

> seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

> slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse

once

> the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter

how

> cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this with

> him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping

that

> if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part

of

> the treatment.

>

> Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

> about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

> doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

> suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

>

> And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of

knowledge

> and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

> best! Thanks!

>

> Daiga and Owen

> 02/04/03

> Left Unilateral CF

[Guest guest]

Daiga,

This is only my opinion but i would be very leary of using a doctor

that doesn't do the DBB. That is an important part of the

procedure. If they don't use the DBB their feet have a higher risk

of relapsing. Dr.Ponsetti even emailed me about the DBB. He said

that he has found that doctors and parents who take their children

out of the DBB to soon will have a much greater chance of relapse.

Have you emailed Dr.Ponsetti about your doctors practices and see

what he says about it? It may make you feel better and understand

the ponsetti method and procedures. I hope i don't offend you, i am

just voicing my opinion. We have had such success with the ponsetti

method, i just want Owen to have the same chance with a good ponsetti

doctor that is qualified.

Best wishes

(Isabella bilateral cf 10-12-02)

> We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak to

> Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified

form

> of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't

tell

> you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

> because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests that

> they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

> decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

> ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast just

to

> see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

> that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

> diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

> been a new challenge!).

>

> I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor doesn't

> use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do

either.

> So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I

think

> I need to find some research to present to him that would back up

the

> fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here don't

> seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

> slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse

once

> the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter

how

> cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this with

> him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping

that

> if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part

of

> the treatment.

>

> Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

> about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

> doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

> suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

>

> And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of

knowledge

> and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

> best! Thanks!

>

> Daiga and Owen

> 02/04/03

> Left Unilateral CF

[Guest guest]

Daiga,

This is only my opinion but i would be very leary of using a doctor

that doesn't do the DBB. That is an important part of the

procedure. If they don't use the DBB their feet have a higher risk

of relapsing. Dr.Ponsetti even emailed me about the DBB. He said

that he has found that doctors and parents who take their children

out of the DBB to soon will have a much greater chance of relapse.

Have you emailed Dr.Ponsetti about your doctors practices and see

what he says about it? It may make you feel better and understand

the ponsetti method and procedures. I hope i don't offend you, i am

just voicing my opinion. We have had such success with the ponsetti

method, i just want Owen to have the same chance with a good ponsetti

doctor that is qualified.

Best wishes

(Isabella bilateral cf 10-12-02)

> We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak to

> Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified

form

> of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't

tell

> you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

> because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests that

> they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

> decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

> ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast just

to

> see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

> that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

> diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

> been a new challenge!).

>

> I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor doesn't

> use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do

either.

> So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I

think

> I need to find some research to present to him that would back up

the

> fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here don't

> seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

> slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse

once

> the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter

how

> cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this with

> him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping

that

> if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part

of

> the treatment.

>

> Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

> about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

> doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

> suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

>

> And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of

knowledge

> and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

> best! Thanks!

>

> Daiga and Owen

> 02/04/03

> Left Unilateral CF

[Guest guest]

Daiga,

That sounds like good news from your docotr. It is good to hear that

he practices the method and is willing to try a long leg cast for

you. I guess we are both getting good news today. Best of luck to

you and Owen!

> We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak to

> Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified

form

> of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't

tell

> you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

> because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests that

> they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

> decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

> ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast just

to

> see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

> that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

> diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

> been a new challenge!).

>

> I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor doesn't

> use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do

either.

> So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I

think

> I need to find some research to present to him that would back up

the

> fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here don't

> seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

> slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse

once

> the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter

how

> cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this with

> him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping

that

> if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part

of

> the treatment.

>

> Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

> about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

> doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

> suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

>

> And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of

knowledge

> and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

> best! Thanks!

>

> Daiga and Owen

> 02/04/03

> Left Unilateral CF

[Guest guest]

Daiga,

That sounds like good news from your docotr. It is good to hear that

he practices the method and is willing to try a long leg cast for

you. I guess we are both getting good news today. Best of luck to

you and Owen!

> We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak to

> Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified

form

> of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't

tell

> you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

> because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests that

> they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

> decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

> ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast just

to

> see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

> that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

> diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

> been a new challenge!).

>

> I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor doesn't

> use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do

either.

> So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I

think

> I need to find some research to present to him that would back up

the

> fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here don't

> seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

> slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse

once

> the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter

how

> cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this with

> him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping

that

> if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part

of

> the treatment.

>

> Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

> about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

> doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

> suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

>

> And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of

knowledge

> and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

> best! Thanks!

>

> Daiga and Owen

> 02/04/03

> Left Unilateral CF

[Guest guest]

Daiga,

That sounds like good news from your docotr. It is good to hear that

he practices the method and is willing to try a long leg cast for

you. I guess we are both getting good news today. Best of luck to

you and Owen!

> We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak to

> Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified

form

> of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't

tell

> you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

> because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests that

> they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

> decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

> ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast just

to

> see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

> that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

> diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

> been a new challenge!).

>

> I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor doesn't

> use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do

either.

> So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I

think

> I need to find some research to present to him that would back up

the

> fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here don't

> seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

> slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse

once

> the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter

how

> cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this with

> him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping

that

> if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part

of

> the treatment.

>

> Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

> about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

> doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

> suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

>

> And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of

knowledge

> and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

> best! Thanks!

>

> Daiga and Owen

> 02/04/03

> Left Unilateral CF

[Guest guest]

, no offense taken at all! This is why I'm here - this group's

collective thoughts, comments and opinions are invaluable to me -

thank you!!

> > We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak

to

> > Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified

> form

> > of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't

> tell

> > you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

> > because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests

that

> > they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

> > decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

> > ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast

just

> to

> > see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

> > that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

> > diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

> > been a new challenge!).

> >

> > I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor

doesn't

> > use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do

> either.

> > So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I

> think

> > I need to find some research to present to him that would back up

> the

> > fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here

don't

> > seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

> > slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse

> once

> > the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter

> how

> > cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this

with

> > him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping

> that

> > if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part

> of

> > the treatment.

> >

> > Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

> > about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

> > doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

> > suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

> >

> > And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of

> knowledge

> > and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

> > best! Thanks!

> >

> > Daiga and Owen

> > 02/04/03

> > Left Unilateral CF

[Guest guest]

, no offense taken at all! This is why I'm here - this group's

collective thoughts, comments and opinions are invaluable to me -

thank you!!

> > We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak

to

> > Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified

> form

> > of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't

> tell

> > you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

> > because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests

that

> > they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

> > decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

> > ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast

just

> to

> > see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

> > that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

> > diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

> > been a new challenge!).

> >

> > I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor

doesn't

> > use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do

> either.

> > So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I

> think

> > I need to find some research to present to him that would back up

> the

> > fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here

don't

> > seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

> > slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse

> once

> > the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter

> how

> > cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this

with

> > him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping

> that

> > if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part

> of

> > the treatment.

> >

> > Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

> > about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

> > doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

> > suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

> >

> > And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of

> knowledge

> > and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

> > best! Thanks!

> >

> > Daiga and Owen

> > 02/04/03

> > Left Unilateral CF

[Guest guest]

, no offense taken at all! This is why I'm here - this group's

collective thoughts, comments and opinions are invaluable to me -

thank you!!

> > We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak

to

> > Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified

> form

> > of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't

> tell

> > you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

> > because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests

that

> > they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

> > decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

> > ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast

just

> to

> > see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

> > that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

> > diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

> > been a new challenge!).

> >

> > I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor

doesn't

> > use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do

> either.

> > So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I

> think

> > I need to find some research to present to him that would back up

> the

> > fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here

don't

> > seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

> > slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse

> once

> > the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter

> how

> > cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this

with

> > him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping

> that

> > if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part

> of

> > the treatment.

> >

> > Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

> > about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

> > doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

> > suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

> >

> > And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of

> knowledge

> > and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

> > best! Thanks!

> >

> > Daiga and Owen

> > 02/04/03

> > Left Unilateral CF

[Guest guest]

Hi Daiga, My husband & I are new to this group, yet have already picked up

some great knowledge from the e-mails we have seen We take our son , to

Children's Hospital in Boston; it appears that while many ortho pediatric

doctors DO differ on the treatments; most here in Boston seem to truly favor the

serial castings as opposed to the brace that comes across the knees.

Specifically our doctor feels that the brace is NOT by any means harmful, it's

just that it turns the knee area as opposed to the foot. Again, this is just

one doctor's thoughts....but I wanted to share them. By all means, you are the

mother & I have learned how adamant you need to be when it come to your

childrens' health. was casted approximately every two weeks for the first

6 months of his life; and he is now 16 months and wears and AFO style brace,

(possibly different???? from the one you may be describing), 12 hours a day,

made by a company called NOPCO. Hope everyone continues to do well Amy &

Spoke to Owen's doctor today...

We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak to

Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified form

of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't tell

you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests that

they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast just to

see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

been a new challenge!).

I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor doesn't

use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do either.

So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I think

I need to find some research to present to him that would back up the

fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here don't

seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse once

the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter how

cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this with

him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping that

if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part of

the treatment.

Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of knowledge

and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

best! Thanks!

Daiga and Owen

02/04/03

Left Unilateral CF

[Guest guest]

Hi Daiga, My husband & I are new to this group, yet have already picked up

some great knowledge from the e-mails we have seen We take our son , to

Children's Hospital in Boston; it appears that while many ortho pediatric

doctors DO differ on the treatments; most here in Boston seem to truly favor the

serial castings as opposed to the brace that comes across the knees.

Specifically our doctor feels that the brace is NOT by any means harmful, it's

just that it turns the knee area as opposed to the foot. Again, this is just

one doctor's thoughts....but I wanted to share them. By all means, you are the

mother & I have learned how adamant you need to be when it come to your

childrens' health. was casted approximately every two weeks for the first

6 months of his life; and he is now 16 months and wears and AFO style brace,

(possibly different???? from the one you may be describing), 12 hours a day,

made by a company called NOPCO. Hope everyone continues to do well Amy &

Spoke to Owen's doctor today...

We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak to

Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified form

of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't tell

you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests that

they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast just to

see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

been a new challenge!).

I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor doesn't

use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do either.

So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I think

I need to find some research to present to him that would back up the

fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here don't

seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse once

the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter how

cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this with

him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping that

if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part of

the treatment.

Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of knowledge

and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

best! Thanks!

Daiga and Owen

02/04/03

Left Unilateral CF

[Guest guest]

Hi Daiga, My husband & I are new to this group, yet have already picked up

some great knowledge from the e-mails we have seen We take our son , to

Children's Hospital in Boston; it appears that while many ortho pediatric

doctors DO differ on the treatments; most here in Boston seem to truly favor the

serial castings as opposed to the brace that comes across the knees.

Specifically our doctor feels that the brace is NOT by any means harmful, it's

just that it turns the knee area as opposed to the foot. Again, this is just

one doctor's thoughts....but I wanted to share them. By all means, you are the

mother & I have learned how adamant you need to be when it come to your

childrens' health. was casted approximately every two weeks for the first

6 months of his life; and he is now 16 months and wears and AFO style brace,

(possibly different???? from the one you may be describing), 12 hours a day,

made by a company called NOPCO. Hope everyone continues to do well Amy &

Spoke to Owen's doctor today...

We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak to

Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified form

of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't tell

you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests that

they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast just to

see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

been a new challenge!).

I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor doesn't

use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do either.

So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I think

I need to find some research to present to him that would back up the

fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here don't

seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse once

the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter how

cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this with

him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping that

if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part of

the treatment.

Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of knowledge

and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

best! Thanks!

Daiga and Owen

02/04/03

Left Unilateral CF

[Guest guest]

Daiga,

Dr. Ponseti says that the use of short leg casts is one of the common

errors in treatment that some doctors do that contributes to their

lower non-surgical correction rate. At his site he says " The common

errors in the treatment of the clubfoot and how to avoid them

are: ... #6 Application of below knee instead of toe to groin casts.

The longer plasters are needed to prevent the ankle and talus from

rotating. Since the foot must be held in abduction under the talus,

the talus must not rotate, otherwise the correction obtained by

manipulation is lost. "

http://www.vh.org/pediatric/provider/orthopaedics/Clubfoot/Clubfoot.ht

ml

In the list of things that would need to be done in order to do the

Ponseti method properly, using long leg casts is probably the easiest

or most obvious thing to do. If your doctor was not using long leg

casts, my guess is that it is much less likely that he is using the

real Ponseti method manipulations which I think are at least somewhat

harder to learn than understanding that long leg casts are required.

Were you able to ask him the questions that Dr. Ponseti suggests to

understand whether or not a doctor is using his method or perhaps

even a little close to using his method.

In the past, when we have asked Dr. Ponseti how a parent can tell if

someone is doing the method correctly, he has said that you can tell

to some degree by asking your doctor the following questions.

1. What percentage of children that you have treated with the

Ponseti method have NOT needed to have the posterior release types of

surgery? The answer should be at least 90% and hopefully 95%.

2. How many Ponseti method casts does it take them in their practice

to correctly position the feet? The answer should be 4-7 and not

more than 9. At Dr. Ponseti's web site he says relating to the

number of casts that should be needed in his method. " QUESTION: How

often do the manipulations need to take place to correct clubfoot in

otherwise normal children? ANSWER: Most clubfeet in otherwise normal

children can be corrected with weekly manipulations followed by

plaster-cast applications. If the deformity is not corrected in 5 to

7 plaster-cast changes, the treatment is most likely faulty. "

http://www.vh.org/pediatric/patient/orthopaedics/clubfeet/questions.ht

ml

As far as your question on the use of the FAB/DBB splints, here is a

study that has information about their use in the Ponseti method.

A recent study at the U of Iowa indicated that the rate of relapsing

and also risk for the ATTT was highly correlated to whether or not

the child wore the FAB/DBB as prescribed. The rate of relapsing was

about 11 times greater if the FAB/DBB was not worn as prescribed.

http://www.aaos.org/wordhtml/anmt2002/sciprog/052.htm

But your doctor has not been using the real Ponseti method so he may

not have had a similar experience. Did your doctor tell you what

percentage of children he treated needed to have the surgery and/or

what percentage had experienced relapsing?

and (3-17-99)

> We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak to

> Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified

form

> of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't

tell

> you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

> because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests that

> they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

> decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

> ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast just

to

> see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

> that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

> diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

> been a new challenge!).

>

> I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor doesn't

> use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do

either.

> So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I

think

> I need to find some research to present to him that would back up

the

> fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here don't

> seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

> slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse

once

> the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter

how

> cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this with

> him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping

that

> if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part

of

> the treatment.

>

> Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

> about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

> doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

> suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

>

> And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of

knowledge

> and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

> best! Thanks!

>

> Daiga and Owen

> 02/04/03

> Left Unilateral CF

[Guest guest]

Daiga,

Dr. Ponseti says that the use of short leg casts is one of the common

errors in treatment that some doctors do that contributes to their

lower non-surgical correction rate. At his site he says " The common

errors in the treatment of the clubfoot and how to avoid them

are: ... #6 Application of below knee instead of toe to groin casts.

The longer plasters are needed to prevent the ankle and talus from

rotating. Since the foot must be held in abduction under the talus,

the talus must not rotate, otherwise the correction obtained by

manipulation is lost. "

http://www.vh.org/pediatric/provider/orthopaedics/Clubfoot/Clubfoot.ht

ml

In the list of things that would need to be done in order to do the

Ponseti method properly, using long leg casts is probably the easiest

or most obvious thing to do. If your doctor was not using long leg

casts, my guess is that it is much less likely that he is using the

real Ponseti method manipulations which I think are at least somewhat

harder to learn than understanding that long leg casts are required.

Were you able to ask him the questions that Dr. Ponseti suggests to

understand whether or not a doctor is using his method or perhaps

even a little close to using his method.

In the past, when we have asked Dr. Ponseti how a parent can tell if

someone is doing the method correctly, he has said that you can tell

to some degree by asking your doctor the following questions.

1. What percentage of children that you have treated with the

Ponseti method have NOT needed to have the posterior release types of

surgery? The answer should be at least 90% and hopefully 95%.

2. How many Ponseti method casts does it take them in their practice

to correctly position the feet? The answer should be 4-7 and not

more than 9. At Dr. Ponseti's web site he says relating to the

number of casts that should be needed in his method. " QUESTION: How

often do the manipulations need to take place to correct clubfoot in

otherwise normal children? ANSWER: Most clubfeet in otherwise normal

children can be corrected with weekly manipulations followed by

plaster-cast applications. If the deformity is not corrected in 5 to

7 plaster-cast changes, the treatment is most likely faulty. "

http://www.vh.org/pediatric/patient/orthopaedics/clubfeet/questions.ht

ml

As far as your question on the use of the FAB/DBB splints, here is a

study that has information about their use in the Ponseti method.

A recent study at the U of Iowa indicated that the rate of relapsing

and also risk for the ATTT was highly correlated to whether or not

the child wore the FAB/DBB as prescribed. The rate of relapsing was

about 11 times greater if the FAB/DBB was not worn as prescribed.

http://www.aaos.org/wordhtml/anmt2002/sciprog/052.htm

But your doctor has not been using the real Ponseti method so he may

not have had a similar experience. Did your doctor tell you what

percentage of children he treated needed to have the surgery and/or

what percentage had experienced relapsing?

and (3-17-99)

> We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak to

> Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified

form

> of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't

tell

> you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

> because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests that

> they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

> decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

> ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast just

to

> see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

> that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

> diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

> been a new challenge!).

>

> I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor doesn't

> use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do

either.

> So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I

think

> I need to find some research to present to him that would back up

the

> fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here don't

> seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

> slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse

once

> the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter

how

> cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this with

> him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping

that

> if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part

of

> the treatment.

>

> Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

> about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

> doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

> suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

>

> And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of

knowledge

> and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

> best! Thanks!

>

> Daiga and Owen

> 02/04/03

> Left Unilateral CF

[Guest guest]

Daiga,

Dr. Ponseti says that the use of short leg casts is one of the common

errors in treatment that some doctors do that contributes to their

lower non-surgical correction rate. At his site he says " The common

errors in the treatment of the clubfoot and how to avoid them

are: ... #6 Application of below knee instead of toe to groin casts.

The longer plasters are needed to prevent the ankle and talus from

rotating. Since the foot must be held in abduction under the talus,

the talus must not rotate, otherwise the correction obtained by

manipulation is lost. "

http://www.vh.org/pediatric/provider/orthopaedics/Clubfoot/Clubfoot.ht

ml

In the list of things that would need to be done in order to do the

Ponseti method properly, using long leg casts is probably the easiest

or most obvious thing to do. If your doctor was not using long leg

casts, my guess is that it is much less likely that he is using the

real Ponseti method manipulations which I think are at least somewhat

harder to learn than understanding that long leg casts are required.

Were you able to ask him the questions that Dr. Ponseti suggests to

understand whether or not a doctor is using his method or perhaps

even a little close to using his method.

In the past, when we have asked Dr. Ponseti how a parent can tell if

someone is doing the method correctly, he has said that you can tell

to some degree by asking your doctor the following questions.

1. What percentage of children that you have treated with the

Ponseti method have NOT needed to have the posterior release types of

surgery? The answer should be at least 90% and hopefully 95%.

2. How many Ponseti method casts does it take them in their practice

to correctly position the feet? The answer should be 4-7 and not

more than 9. At Dr. Ponseti's web site he says relating to the

number of casts that should be needed in his method. " QUESTION: How

often do the manipulations need to take place to correct clubfoot in

otherwise normal children? ANSWER: Most clubfeet in otherwise normal

children can be corrected with weekly manipulations followed by

plaster-cast applications. If the deformity is not corrected in 5 to

7 plaster-cast changes, the treatment is most likely faulty. "

http://www.vh.org/pediatric/patient/orthopaedics/clubfeet/questions.ht

ml

As far as your question on the use of the FAB/DBB splints, here is a

study that has information about their use in the Ponseti method.

A recent study at the U of Iowa indicated that the rate of relapsing

and also risk for the ATTT was highly correlated to whether or not

the child wore the FAB/DBB as prescribed. The rate of relapsing was

about 11 times greater if the FAB/DBB was not worn as prescribed.

http://www.aaos.org/wordhtml/anmt2002/sciprog/052.htm

But your doctor has not been using the real Ponseti method so he may

not have had a similar experience. Did your doctor tell you what

percentage of children he treated needed to have the surgery and/or

what percentage had experienced relapsing?

and (3-17-99)

> We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak to

> Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified

form

> of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't

tell

> you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

> because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests that

> they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

> decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

> ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast just

to

> see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

> that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

> diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

> been a new challenge!).

>

> I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor doesn't

> use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do

either.

> So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I

think

> I need to find some research to present to him that would back up

the

> fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here don't

> seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

> slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse

once

> the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter

how

> cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this with

> him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping

that

> if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part

of

> the treatment.

>

> Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

> about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

> doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

> suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

>

> And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of

knowledge

> and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

> best! Thanks!

>

> Daiga and Owen

> 02/04/03

> Left Unilateral CF

[Guest guest]

Amy,

Welcome to the group.

It seems that most doctors in the U.S. as well as in Boston favor

using serial casting prior to deciding whether or not surgery is

needed. But there does seem to be a lot of different methods of how

the serial casting is done, how long it is needed and how successful

it is in avoiding the major clubfoot surgery. Most serial casting

methods can successfully avoid the surgery only 5 to 35% of the time

whereas the Ponseti method avoids the surgery 95% of the time.

Also, the fastest and most successful serial casting method is the

Ponseti method which takes 4 to 7 casts over a 1-2 month period to

correctly position the foot. With the Ponseti method the major

clubfoot surgery is only needed about 5% of the time.

There are 3 Ponseti method doctors in New England that we know of so

far including 2 in Boston.

Kasser, M.D.

Children's Hospital

300 Longwood Avenue

Boston, MA 02115-5724

Tel:

Email: kasser @ al.tch.harvard.edu

W. Mack, M.D.

Shriner's Hospital for Children

516 Carew Street

Springfield, MA 01104

Tel:

Walid K. Yassir, M.D.

New England Medical Center

750 Washington Street, NEMC #016

Boston, MA 0211

Tel:

Email: wyassir @ lifespan.org

and (3-17-99)

http://www.vh.org/pediatric/patient/orthopaedics/clubfeet/egbert.html

> Hi Daiga, My husband & I are new to this group, yet have

already picked up some great knowledge from the e-mails we have

seen We take our son , to Children's Hospital in Boston; it

appears that while many ortho pediatric doctors DO differ on the

treatments; most here in Boston seem to truly favor the serial

castings as opposed to the brace that comes across the knees.

Specifically our doctor feels that the brace is NOT by any means

harmful, it's just that it turns the knee area as opposed to the

foot. Again, this is just one doctor's thoughts....but I wanted to

share them. By all means, you are the mother & I have learned how

adamant you need to be when it come to your childrens' health.

was casted approximately every two weeks for the first 6 months of

his life; and he is now 16 months and wears and AFO style brace,

(possibly different???? from the one you may be describing), 12 hours

a day, made by a company called NOPCO. Hope everyone continues to do

well Amy &

> Spoke to Owen's doctor today...

>

>

> We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak

to

> Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified

form

> of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't

tell

> you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

> because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests

that

> they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

> decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

> ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast

just to

> see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

> that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

> diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

> been a new challenge!).

>

> I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor

doesn't

> use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do

either.

> So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I

think

> I need to find some research to present to him that would back up

the

> fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here

don't

> seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

> slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse

once

> the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter

how

> cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this

with

> him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping

that

> if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part

of

> the treatment.

>

> Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

> about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

> doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

> suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

>

> And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of

knowledge

> and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

> best! Thanks!

>

> Daiga and Owen

> 02/04/03

> Left Unilateral CF

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Amy,

Welcome to the group.

It seems that most doctors in the U.S. as well as in Boston favor

using serial casting prior to deciding whether or not surgery is

needed. But there does seem to be a lot of different methods of how

the serial casting is done, how long it is needed and how successful

it is in avoiding the major clubfoot surgery. Most serial casting

methods can successfully avoid the surgery only 5 to 35% of the time

whereas the Ponseti method avoids the surgery 95% of the time.

Also, the fastest and most successful serial casting method is the

Ponseti method which takes 4 to 7 casts over a 1-2 month period to

correctly position the foot. With the Ponseti method the major

clubfoot surgery is only needed about 5% of the time.

There are 3 Ponseti method doctors in New England that we know of so

far including 2 in Boston.

Kasser, M.D.

Children's Hospital

300 Longwood Avenue

Boston, MA 02115-5724

Tel:

Email: kasser @ al.tch.harvard.edu

W. Mack, M.D.

Shriner's Hospital for Children

516 Carew Street

Springfield, MA 01104

Tel:

Walid K. Yassir, M.D.

New England Medical Center

750 Washington Street, NEMC #016

Boston, MA 0211

Tel:

Email: wyassir @ lifespan.org

and (3-17-99)

http://www.vh.org/pediatric/patient/orthopaedics/clubfeet/egbert.html

> Hi Daiga, My husband & I are new to this group, yet have

already picked up some great knowledge from the e-mails we have

seen We take our son , to Children's Hospital in Boston; it

appears that while many ortho pediatric doctors DO differ on the

treatments; most here in Boston seem to truly favor the serial

castings as opposed to the brace that comes across the knees.

Specifically our doctor feels that the brace is NOT by any means

harmful, it's just that it turns the knee area as opposed to the

foot. Again, this is just one doctor's thoughts....but I wanted to

share them. By all means, you are the mother & I have learned how

adamant you need to be when it come to your childrens' health.

was casted approximately every two weeks for the first 6 months of

his life; and he is now 16 months and wears and AFO style brace,

(possibly different???? from the one you may be describing), 12 hours

a day, made by a company called NOPCO. Hope everyone continues to do

well Amy &

> Spoke to Owen's doctor today...

>

>

> We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak

to

> Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified

form

> of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't

tell

> you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

> because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests

that

> they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

> decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

> ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast

just to

> see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

> that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

> diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

> been a new challenge!).

>

> I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor

doesn't

> use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do

either.

> So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I

think

> I need to find some research to present to him that would back up

the

> fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here

don't

> seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

> slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse

once

> the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter

how

> cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this

with

> him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping

that

> if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part

of

> the treatment.

>

> Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

> about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

> doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

> suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

>

> And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of

knowledge

> and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

> best! Thanks!

>

> Daiga and Owen

> 02/04/03

> Left Unilateral CF

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Daiga,

I'm glad you were able to talk to the doctor so frankly, and that he

was agreeable and open to what you had to say ... but I have to say

that in my opinion there is no way what he's providing is the Ponseti

method. His position on short leg vs. long leg casts is a major

indicator, plus not using a brace afterward. These are both integral

components of the method. gave you good specifics on why.

The method isn't *just* manipulations, or *just* long leg casts, or

just a tenotomy, or just the brace.. It's a finely tuned combination

of all of them.. and any doctor who knows the method, knows why each

of the elements are important.

Perhaps he will be able to correct the foot doing what he's doing..

but didn't you say that the nurse said that about 90% of this

doctor's patients go on to need the major surgery? Or did you find

out that wasn't right? Did she mean just the tenotomy?

I realize traveling might not be an option for you.. and that you

might decide you are happy to stick with this doctor, and it's

certainly not for us to criticize or try to tell you to what to do!

I'm sure he's probably a fine surgeon and could correct the foot..

I'm only speaking up to point out that what you are describing does

not fall in line with what the Ponseti method is.

I see that Dr. son responded to you in an earlier post ..

perhaps her suggestions might be of help to you.

I, too, hope you're not offended by me saying this.. it's just that

many of us here have traveled the same road.

Best wishes,

and

> We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak to

> Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified

form

> of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't

tell

> you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

> because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests that

> they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

> decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

> ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast just

to

> see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

> that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

> diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

> been a new challenge!).

>

> I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor doesn't

> use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do

either.

> So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I

think

> I need to find some research to present to him that would back up

the

> fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here don't

> seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

> slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse

once

> the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter

how

> cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this with

> him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping

that

> if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part

of

> the treatment.

>

> Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

> about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

> doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

> suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

>

> And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of

knowledge

> and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

> best! Thanks!

>

> Daiga and Owen

> 02/04/03

> Left Unilateral CF

[Guest guest]

Daiga,

I'm glad you were able to talk to the doctor so frankly, and that he

was agreeable and open to what you had to say ... but I have to say

that in my opinion there is no way what he's providing is the Ponseti

method. His position on short leg vs. long leg casts is a major

indicator, plus not using a brace afterward. These are both integral

components of the method. gave you good specifics on why.

The method isn't *just* manipulations, or *just* long leg casts, or

just a tenotomy, or just the brace.. It's a finely tuned combination

of all of them.. and any doctor who knows the method, knows why each

of the elements are important.

Perhaps he will be able to correct the foot doing what he's doing..

but didn't you say that the nurse said that about 90% of this

doctor's patients go on to need the major surgery? Or did you find

out that wasn't right? Did she mean just the tenotomy?

I realize traveling might not be an option for you.. and that you

might decide you are happy to stick with this doctor, and it's

certainly not for us to criticize or try to tell you to what to do!

I'm sure he's probably a fine surgeon and could correct the foot..

I'm only speaking up to point out that what you are describing does

not fall in line with what the Ponseti method is.

I see that Dr. son responded to you in an earlier post ..

perhaps her suggestions might be of help to you.

I, too, hope you're not offended by me saying this.. it's just that

many of us here have traveled the same road.

Best wishes,

and

> We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak to

> Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified

form

> of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't

tell

> you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

> because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests that

> they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

> decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

> ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast just

to

> see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

> that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

> diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

> been a new challenge!).

>

> I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor doesn't

> use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do

either.

> So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I

think

> I need to find some research to present to him that would back up

the

> fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here don't

> seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

> slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse

once

> the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter

how

> cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this with

> him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping

that

> if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part

of

> the treatment.

>

> Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

> about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

> doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

> suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

>

> And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of

knowledge

> and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

> best! Thanks!

>

> Daiga and Owen

> 02/04/03

> Left Unilateral CF

[Guest guest]

Hi Daiga,

I have had experience with both the traditional and the Ponseti

method of treating my daughters club feet. First, in the traditional

method, she began with long casts but then changed to below knee

casts. She was casted for 5 months in total, then was put into the

AFO's. While she was casted, her feet seemed to be responding to the

treatment. But the AFO's did not hold her feet in place. Even I

could see that they were regressing. The orthotist said that it was

just that the AFO's had become too small, but I knew differently.

It was at this point that I found out about the ponseti method, and

when I saw a photo of the DBB, I realised that it would hold her

feet right. We contacted the nearest Ponseti doctor (about 3 hrs

drive from home) and saw him. He explained why the AFO's don't work,

and spent a lot of time explaining why the ponseti method does work.

She began treatment that week. The doctor thought she would need 6

weeks of plastering including the tenotomy (she was 7 months old at

the time). As it turns out, she only needed two weeks of plastering,

no tenotomy and is now wearing the DBB 23 hours day and it is

holding her feet beautifully. They look better now than they ever

have. And our doctor was adamant that using the DBB was a very

important part of the treatment - even to the point where if the

parents dont enforce the correct amount of time per day or the full

duration of the bar use - eg up to 3 years of use - this is the

main reason for relapse. I believe this has been shown in a number

of studies as well.

So to make a long story short - I believe the use of the DBB is a

major part of the treatment and MUST be used correctly and for the

correct amount of time.

Kylie

[Guest guest]

Hi Daiga,

I have had experience with both the traditional and the Ponseti

method of treating my daughters club feet. First, in the traditional

method, she began with long casts but then changed to below knee

casts. She was casted for 5 months in total, then was put into the

AFO's. While she was casted, her feet seemed to be responding to the

treatment. But the AFO's did not hold her feet in place. Even I

could see that they were regressing. The orthotist said that it was

just that the AFO's had become too small, but I knew differently.

It was at this point that I found out about the ponseti method, and

when I saw a photo of the DBB, I realised that it would hold her

feet right. We contacted the nearest Ponseti doctor (about 3 hrs

drive from home) and saw him. He explained why the AFO's don't work,

and spent a lot of time explaining why the ponseti method does work.

She began treatment that week. The doctor thought she would need 6

weeks of plastering including the tenotomy (she was 7 months old at

the time). As it turns out, she only needed two weeks of plastering,

no tenotomy and is now wearing the DBB 23 hours day and it is

holding her feet beautifully. They look better now than they ever

have. And our doctor was adamant that using the DBB was a very

important part of the treatment - even to the point where if the

parents dont enforce the correct amount of time per day or the full

duration of the bar use - eg up to 3 years of use - this is the

main reason for relapse. I believe this has been shown in a number

of studies as well.

So to make a long story short - I believe the use of the DBB is a

major part of the treatment and MUST be used correctly and for the

correct amount of time.

Kylie

[Guest guest]

Amy,

I am also from Massachusetts and my daughters doctor did not use the

Ponseti method. She was casted for almost 5 months (long leg casts)

with two tenotomy's and then into the afo brace. The brace did not

work for us it kept falling off of her feet. He then suggested

surgery so we decided to change to a Ponseti method Dr. Dr. Mack,

Shriners Hospital in Springfield has been great. There are also two

Dr.'s in the Boston area who also use the Ponseti method. I wish we

had gone with Dr. Mack in the begining. Hailey is still in a cast.

She would probably be finished with casting if we had started with

Dr. Mack to begin with.

and Hailey (right club foot)

-- In nosurgery4clubfoot , " Amy Chiaramitaro "

<amy71073@r...> wrote:

> Hi Daiga, My husband & I are new to this group, yet have

already picked up some great knowledge from the e-mails we have

seen We take our son , to Children's Hospital in Boston; it

appears that while many ortho pediatric doctors DO differ on the

treatments; most here in Boston seem to truly favor the serial

castings as opposed to the brace that comes across the knees.

Specifically our doctor feels that the brace is NOT by any means

harmful, it's just that it turns the knee area as opposed to the

foot. Again, this is just one doctor's thoughts....but I wanted to

share them. By all means, you are the mother & I have learned how

adamant you need to be when it come to your childrens' health.

was casted approximately every two weeks for the first 6 months of

his life; and he is now 16 months and wears and AFO style brace,

(possibly different???? from the one you may be describing), 12 hours

a day, made by a company called NOPCO. Hope everyone continues to do

well Amy &

> Spoke to Owen's doctor today...

>

>

> We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak

to

> Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified

form

> of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't

tell

> you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

> because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests

that

> they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

> decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

> ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast

just to

> see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

> that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

> diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

> been a new challenge!).

>

> I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor

doesn't

> use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do

either.

> So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I

think

> I need to find some research to present to him that would back up

the

> fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here

don't

> seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

> slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse

once

> the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter

how

> cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this

with

> him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping

that

> if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part

of

> the treatment.

>

> Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

> about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

> doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

> suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

>

> And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of

knowledge

> and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

> best! Thanks!

>

> Daiga and Owen

> 02/04/03

> Left Unilateral CF

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Amy,

I am also from Massachusetts and my daughters doctor did not use the

Ponseti method. She was casted for almost 5 months (long leg casts)

with two tenotomy's and then into the afo brace. The brace did not

work for us it kept falling off of her feet. He then suggested

surgery so we decided to change to a Ponseti method Dr. Dr. Mack,

Shriners Hospital in Springfield has been great. There are also two

Dr.'s in the Boston area who also use the Ponseti method. I wish we

had gone with Dr. Mack in the begining. Hailey is still in a cast.

She would probably be finished with casting if we had started with

Dr. Mack to begin with.

and Hailey (right club foot)

-- In nosurgery4clubfoot , " Amy Chiaramitaro "

<amy71073@r...> wrote:

> Hi Daiga, My husband & I are new to this group, yet have

already picked up some great knowledge from the e-mails we have

seen We take our son , to Children's Hospital in Boston; it

appears that while many ortho pediatric doctors DO differ on the

treatments; most here in Boston seem to truly favor the serial

castings as opposed to the brace that comes across the knees.

Specifically our doctor feels that the brace is NOT by any means

harmful, it's just that it turns the knee area as opposed to the

foot. Again, this is just one doctor's thoughts....but I wanted to

share them. By all means, you are the mother & I have learned how

adamant you need to be when it come to your childrens' health.

was casted approximately every two weeks for the first 6 months of

his life; and he is now 16 months and wears and AFO style brace,

(possibly different???? from the one you may be describing), 12 hours

a day, made by a company called NOPCO. Hope everyone continues to do

well Amy &

> Spoke to Owen's doctor today...

>

>

> We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak

to

> Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified

form

> of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't

tell

> you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

> because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests

that

> they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

> decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

> ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast

just to

> see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

> that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

> diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

> been a new challenge!).

>

> I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor

doesn't

> use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do

either.

> So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I

think

> I need to find some research to present to him that would back up

the

> fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here

don't

> seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

> slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse

once

> the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter

how

> cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this

with

> him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping

that

> if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part

of

> the treatment.

>

> Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

> about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

> doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

> suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

>

> And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of

knowledge

> and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

> best! Thanks!

>

> Daiga and Owen

> 02/04/03

> Left Unilateral CF

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Amy,

I am also from Massachusetts and my daughters doctor did not use the

Ponseti method. She was casted for almost 5 months (long leg casts)

with two tenotomy's and then into the afo brace. The brace did not

work for us it kept falling off of her feet. He then suggested

surgery so we decided to change to a Ponseti method Dr. Dr. Mack,

Shriners Hospital in Springfield has been great. There are also two

Dr.'s in the Boston area who also use the Ponseti method. I wish we

had gone with Dr. Mack in the begining. Hailey is still in a cast.

She would probably be finished with casting if we had started with

Dr. Mack to begin with.

and Hailey (right club foot)

-- In nosurgery4clubfoot , " Amy Chiaramitaro "

<amy71073@r...> wrote:

> Hi Daiga, My husband & I are new to this group, yet have

already picked up some great knowledge from the e-mails we have

seen We take our son , to Children's Hospital in Boston; it

appears that while many ortho pediatric doctors DO differ on the

treatments; most here in Boston seem to truly favor the serial

castings as opposed to the brace that comes across the knees.

Specifically our doctor feels that the brace is NOT by any means

harmful, it's just that it turns the knee area as opposed to the

foot. Again, this is just one doctor's thoughts....but I wanted to

share them. By all means, you are the mother & I have learned how

adamant you need to be when it come to your childrens' health.

was casted approximately every two weeks for the first 6 months of

his life; and he is now 16 months and wears and AFO style brace,

(possibly different???? from the one you may be describing), 12 hours

a day, made by a company called NOPCO. Hope everyone continues to do

well Amy &

> Spoke to Owen's doctor today...

>

>

> We had our appointment this morning and I had a chance to speak

to

> Owen's doctor. As it turns out, he is using a somewhat modified

form

> of the Ponseti method. The manipulations ARE Ponseti - I can't

tell

> you how relieved I am about this. He does use short leg casts

> because he feels that there is no relevant data that suggests

that

> they don't do as well as the long leg casts. As it happens, he

> decided not to do the tenotomy today as Owen's foot wasn't quite

> ready for it. So, I asked him if he could do a long leg cast

just to

> see if it would make a difference - he didn't have a problem with

> that so he applied a long leg cast (which, I must say, is whole

> diffent ball game from the short leg casts - changing diapers has

> been a new challenge!).

>

> I need to do some research on the splints/DBB. This doctor

doesn't

> use them - and it seems that none of the ped ortho's here do

either.

> So, apparently, after all the castings are done, that is it. I

think

> I need to find some research to present to him that would back up

the

> fact that I would prefer to use the brace. The doctors here

don't

> seem to think that they make any difference. If there is the

> slightest possibility that they reduce the occurence of relapse

once

> the foot it corrected, then I would prefer to use them no matter

how

> cumbersome or inconvenient they may be. I didn't discuss this

with

> him today - there will be time for that later. I'm just hoping

that

> if I want to use the brace, one will made available to me as part

of

> the treatment.

>

> Anyway, that is what's happening here. I am feeling much better

> about Owen's treatment and I'm very relieved by the fact that his

> doctor was willing to listen to me and was also open to my

> suggestions/request (at least about using the long leg cast).

>

> And, I'm so glad that I found this group and the wealth of

knowledge

> and resources that you've all brought with you! You guys are the

> best! Thanks!

>

> Daiga and Owen

> 02/04/03

> Left Unilateral CF

>

>

>