Guest guest Posted November 7, 2003 Report Share Posted November 7, 2003 Hi all, Our FAB bar width was set at Iowa City by . I have read all the documentation about the correct width the bar should be set at, etc., but I'm not too clear about the wording. We measure across the back to the outside of each shoulder, then we measure to the same width, between the centre of each shoe bolt (that's the big bolt underneath the bar). Is this correct? I'm just a little worried that we did it wrong, because has been a little unsettled at night lately, it may just be his teething, but I want to make sure that I got the bar right. Thanks, and (24th Jan 2003 bilateral cf) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2003 Report Share Posted November 7, 2003 Hi I just got back from seeing Dr. Pirani in BC and (his orthotist) set the boots so that the heel to heel distance is the same as the shoulder width. Hope this helps. -Ruth > Hi all, > > Our FAB bar width was set at Iowa City by . I have read all the > documentation about the correct width the bar should be set at, etc., > but I'm not too clear about the wording. > > We measure across the back to the outside of each shoulder, > then we measure to the same width, between the centre of each shoe bolt > (that's the big bolt underneath the bar). Is this correct? > > I'm just a little worried that we did it wrong, because has > been a little unsettled at night lately, it may just be his teething, > but I want to make sure that I got the bar right. > > Thanks, > and > (24th Jan 2003 bilateral cf) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2003 Report Share Posted November 7, 2003 Hi, , I think that will put the bar too wide.. I will look up my notes, but I believe you make the distance between the inside edges of the heels of the shoes shoulder width.. not from the bolts.. Of course it might be best to contact to get the exact scoop. Hope I haven't confused the issue.. but wanted to post while I could.. and > Hi all, > > Our FAB bar width was set at Iowa City by . I have read all the > documentation about the correct width the bar should be set at, etc., > but I'm not too clear about the wording. > > We measure across the back to the outside of each shoulder, > then we measure to the same width, between the centre of each shoe bolt > (that's the big bolt underneath the bar). Is this correct? > > I'm just a little worried that we did it wrong, because has > been a little unsettled at night lately, it may just be his teething, > but I want to make sure that I got the bar right. > > Thanks, > and > (24th Jan 2003 bilateral cf) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2003 Report Share Posted November 7, 2003 , The others' posts are right, the distance between the inside edges of the heels of the shoes should be equivalent to the width of the shoulders. By using the centers of the bolts where the shoes attach to the plate, it makes the bar too short. Just hold it up to his back and " eyeball " the heels to be equal to his shoulders. It's not an exact measurement...just a rough setting. Sounds like it's too narrow, that's why he's unsettled! Good luck! > Hi all, > > Our FAB bar width was set at Iowa City by . I have read all the > documentation about the correct width the bar should be set at, etc., > but I'm not too clear about the wording. > > We measure across the back to the outside of each shoulder, > then we measure to the same width, between the centre of each shoe bolt > (that's the big bolt underneath the bar). Is this correct? > > I'm just a little worried that we did it wrong, because has > been a little unsettled at night lately, it may just be his teething, > but I want to make sure that I got the bar right. > > Thanks, > and > (24th Jan 2003 bilateral cf) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2003 Report Share Posted November 7, 2003 , Obviously I wrote my response too quickly (said wide when I meant narrow.. sorry!) gave you a great answer. The main idea, of course, as she said, is to just get the heels shoulder width apart. If you hold the brace up to his shoulders, you'll see if you're about right. But if measuring, the inside edge is the guide.. and Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2003 Report Share Posted November 7, 2003 Hi , we were just in Iowa for a recheck. The instructions we received on paper said to measure from the bolts, but Dr. Ponseti mentioned in his talks to measure from the inside of the heels and the outside of the shoulder. A little wider is better. I don't know why it said bolts on the paper. Joanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 7, 2003 Report Share Posted November 7, 2003 Just thought I would add my two cents to the discussion as I had to correct the Tech who put Shaloms shoes and bar together a few weeks ago. The heels should be shoulder width apart. So measure from the back of the shoes not the underside screws. Think about doing an exercise where you have to have your feet shoulder width apart. If you try to squat a bit in that position it is easy to do. If you do the same squat with you heels too close together it is harder to keep your feet flat or squat as far down. There is better mobility with the feet shoulder width apart then not....; ) Thanks for listening. and Shalom and wrote: , Obviously I wrote my response too quickly (said wide when I meant narrow.. sorry!) gave you a great answer. The main idea, of course, as she said, is to just get the heels shoulder width apart. If you hold the brace up to his shoulders, you'll see if you're about right. But if measuring, the inside edge is the guide.. and Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2003 Report Share Posted November 8, 2003 , I usually measure the outside shoulder width and then make sure that it is equal to the distance between the inside of the heels at the closest point (while on the bar, of course). Hope this helps! Daiga and Owen, 02/04/03 Unilater LCF, DBB 14/24 > Hi all, > > Our FAB bar width was set at Iowa City by . I have read all the > documentation about the correct width the bar should be set at, etc., > but I'm not too clear about the wording. > > We measure across the back to the outside of each shoulder, > then we measure to the same width, between the centre of each shoe bolt > (that's the big bolt underneath the bar). Is this correct? > > I'm just a little worried that we did it wrong, because has > been a little unsettled at night lately, it may just be his teething, > but I want to make sure that I got the bar right. > > Thanks, > and > (24th Jan 2003 bilateral cf) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2003 Report Share Posted November 8, 2003 Thanks very much to Daiga, , , Ruth and everyone else who responded with advice about the correct bar length. I thought that Dr Ponseti had said heel to heel measurement against the shoulders, but then I read the document from Hall that said bolt to bolt, so that is what we did a little while ago. We have now adjusted it to the wider length, and hoping that has a good comfortable sleep tonight! and Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2003 Report Share Posted November 8, 2003 , it is confusing that the dr. says one thing and the document says another. Maybe I should email . I had always heard that wider is better. Joanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2003 Report Share Posted November 8, 2003 I am sorry to have to be useing someone else's e-mail for this. My husband sugested I do this, and maybe i could find someione eles haveing the same problem or somone can help. I have not been able to get into my yahoo e-mail address because it keeps saying this group is currently bouncing. I have not recieved any mail from anyone up untill today. I really would like to know what is going on and have some ? to ask. Once again I am sorry. Bronson Mother of Noah Left clubfoot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2003 Report Share Posted November 8, 2003 Hi everyone, I don't write often but do read most of the posts. My son is almost 7 months old and was born with bilateral clubfeet. His doctor is Dr. Carey in London Ontario. We love him by the way. Anyway at the beginning of October we needed to get new shoes and went from a size 00 to a size 1. I asked then if we needed to get a wider bar as we had an 8inch one. The person fitting the shoes told me no; however, from reading the posts and the Ponseti website, I believed that the bar was too narrow as the screws are shoulder width apart, but not the inside of his heels. For the last 3-4 weeks has not slept well. I thought it was from the ear infection, the chicken pox or teething, but decided to follow my gut, which said it was the bar. Anyway, we got a new 10 inch bar yesterday and slept from 9pm until 8am and hardly moved all night! That 2 inches really did make a difference. Lacey RE: Re: Adjusting FAB bar length Thanks very much to Daiga, , , Ruth and everyone else who responded with advice about the correct bar length. I thought that Dr Ponseti had said heel to heel measurement against the shoulders, but then I read the document from Hall that said bolt to bolt, so that is what we did a little while ago. We have now adjusted it to the wider length, and hoping that has a good comfortable sleep tonight! and Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 8, 2003 Report Share Posted November 8, 2003 It is always best to follow your gut. How is doing now? I hope he is feeling better. I will have him in my thoughts and prayers. Bronson Mother of Noah Left clubfoot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2003 Report Share Posted November 9, 2003 Joanne, Even if you 'know' that the feet must be as wide as the shoulders, when it actually comes to adjusting the bar yourself, it's not that easy to know where exactly on the shoes do you measure from. The literature I had was a little vague and then seemed to contradict itself - and what Dr Ponseti had said when we met him. But that was over 6 months ago and I started doubting my memory of what he had said. I agree with you that emailing is a good idea, so she can update her information or make it a little clearer. For us people far away from Iowa and other experienced Ponseti doctors, we have to rely on the literature we have and the people in this group - who are fantastic of course! It's maybe not that crucial a part to the outcome of the treatment, but it's an important thing for the comfort of our babies. I'm just glad that I questioned it because seems much more comfortable now. and 24th Jan 2003 Re: Re: Adjusting FAB bar length , it is confusing that the dr. says one thing and the document says another. Maybe I should email . I had always heard that wider is better. Joanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2003 Report Share Posted November 9, 2003 Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. is doing well and slept good again last night. Re: Re: Adjusting FAB bar length It is always best to follow your gut. How is doing now? I hope he is feeling better. I will have him in my thoughts and prayers. Bronson Mother of Noah Left clubfoot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 11, 2003 Report Share Posted November 11, 2003 , Glad to hear that seems more comfortable now that you've changed the adjustment. Is he still doing well? (I held up 's brace to her shoulders, and the heels of the shoes sit slightly to the outside of her shoulders, so that inside-edge measurement is indeed what corresponds to the outside width of her shoulders.) By the way.. I received a newsletter from the RMH in the mail the other day, and noticed that a family had recently been there from Capetown. Just thought it was a small-world kind of thing.. (there can't be too many people from South Africa who have been to Iowa City for medical treatment, I would think!) It's a family with two boys; not sure what the treatment was for. Thought you might be interested.. Hope all's continuing well. and > Joanne, > Even if you 'know' that the feet must be as wide as the shoulders, when it actually comes to adjusting the bar yourself, it's not that easy to know where exactly on the shoes do you measure from. The literature I had was a little vague and then seemed to contradict itself - and what Dr Ponseti had said when we met him. But that was over 6 months ago and I started doubting my memory of what he had said. > I agree with you that emailing is a good idea, so she can update her information or make it a little clearer. > For us people far away from Iowa and other experienced Ponseti doctors, we have to rely on the literature we have and the people in this group - who are fantastic of course! > It's maybe not that crucial a part to the outcome of the treatment, but it's an important thing for the comfort of our babies. I'm just glad that I questioned it because seems much more comfortable now. > > and > 24th Jan 2003 > > Re: Re: Adjusting FAB bar length > > > > , it is confusing that the dr. says one thing and the document says > another. Maybe I should email . I had always heard that wider is better. > Joanne > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 11, 2003 Report Share Posted November 11, 2003 , Yes thanks, he's doing much better at night, although I think I will widen his bar just a little more, it doesn't quite fit 'outside' his shoulders. Other than that we are very happy with his progress, his feet are looking great and he's crawling around very fast and pulling himself up on furniture, cruising. At this rate, it won't be that long before he walks, he's in a hurry to get places! We have great news about more Ponseti method doctors here and some publicity I 'think' I've finally organised for the method. I'm also hoping my South African Ponseti website will be up within a week (it's taken much longer to get done than I thought!). I will write with more South African news soon, I'm just a little pressed for time right now, but I wanted to respond to your mail. It really is a small world, we were the first South African family they'd had and now two in one year! I hope that their children weren't there for anything too serious - maybe they also went to Dr Ponseti? Who knows! and (24th Jan 2003, bilateral cf) Re: Adjusting FAB bar length , Glad to hear that seems more comfortable now that you've changed the adjustment. Is he still doing well? (I held up 's brace to her shoulders, and the heels of the shoes sit slightly to the outside of her shoulders, so that inside-edge measurement is indeed what corresponds to the outside width of her shoulders.) By the way.. I received a newsletter from the RMH in the mail the other day, and noticed that a family had recently been there from Capetown. Just thought it was a small-world kind of thing.. (there can't be too many people from South Africa who have been to Iowa City for medical treatment, I would think!) It's a family with two boys; not sure what the treatment was for. Thought you might be interested.. Hope all's continuing well. and Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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