- AFO Discussion

[Guest guest]

,

I just typed up a long message to you, but Yahoo froze when I sent

it, so I'm trying again- argh!

About the AFO- we had an AFO for my daughter prior to her treatment

with Dr. P. It was an awful experience for us. We tried a number of

styles, she had sores, her foot slipped, and her foot was always

soaked with sweat despite the added air circulation holes because of

the plastic. At the time, her foot was not corrected, and she was

slated for surgery. I believe that our experience with the AFO was

similar to many families' first experiences with the FAB/DBB when the

child's foot isn't corrected. No matter what type of brace, it will

not work when the foot isn't corrected!

In case you missed it, there was some discussion about the AFO vs.

DBB not long ago from Kaitlyn's mom, as she was in a similar

situation as you are now.

I think the FAB probably didn't work for because his foot

wasn't corrected, but hopefully since he had the tenotomy, it is

corrected now.

I disagree with your surgeon that the FAB and AFO complete the same

function, because the AFO will not keep the foot rotated outward.

The U of Iowa had a higher rate of relapse when they tried using the

AFO instead of the FAB (years ago) and it is probably because of the

lack of outward rotation. Dr. Ponseti has in the past called the

AFO " useless " , though many doctors disagree. Many of us here defer

to his judgment because he has the long term medical studies and

decades of experience with thousands of feet to back up his

protocol. " Useless " is probably too harsh, it's certainly better

than no brace, but the reason that most of us will promote the FAB is

that it's been shown to be the best defense against relapse.

A relapse can occur at any time. It can occur months or years from

when the child starts wearing the brace. Treatment of relapses can

be as simple as re-casting, or as drastic as surgery, depending on

the child's age and severity of the relapse. Even wearing the FAB

diligently doesn't completely eliminate the chance of relapse, but it

does greatly reduce it. Wearing the AFO should give a better

chance against relapse than no brace at all, but the U of Iowa

information suggests that the FAB is the most effective bracing for

preventing relapse using the Ponseti method. You won't lose any

support here if you choose the AFO, but you will get biased opinions

as to why the FAB is the preferred brace for those who choose to use

the Ponseti method.

Just educate yourself so that you can be confident in the decisions

you make on 's behalf!

Hope this information helps!

& (3-16-00)

> Hello,

>

> I am new to the group. I have a 9 month old with bi-lateral club

> foot. The right one rated 16 the left at 19. We have had a horrible

> time with this process. In fact, I spent the whole afternoon today

> trying to get shoes that would fit him. Only to be sent home from

the

> brace company with plates on the wrong shoes, shoes on the wrong

> feet, and a different angle set on each shoe.

>

> My problem right now is the red tender markings on my son's feet.

> The

> marks are blood red and make several crosses on the tops of his

feet.

> Right now his right foot is so tender that touch sends him into

> tears. The brace company insisted I put the size 000 shoes on the

6th

> hole for my 9 month old 17 lb son. I think this was too tight.

Today

> I insisted on a new pair of shoes (size 0). I haven't tried them

> since my husband had to unassembled and reassemble them. I think we

> will wait a day or two since Matt's feet are so tender. Does

> anyone

> have experience with these types of sores?

>

> Thanks!

>

>

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