An Innovative design for the treatment of Talipes equinovarus utilizing dynamic tri-planar stretching rather than static positioning: a call to researchers Jerald Cunningham, CPO, Lorna W. McHattie, PhD
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this paper is to present information about an alternative protocol for post-Ponseti casting. This innovative orthotic management of Talipes equinovarus is being utilized on a small scale and is resulting in effective maintenance following Ponseti-casting of clubfeet. We are now looking to collaborate with researchers to further study this intervention's effectiveness.
Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), also known as clubfoot, is one of the most common congenital orthopaedic conditions affecting between 1-5: 1,000 (Herring 2002). Between 150,000 and 200,000 babies are born with clubfoot worldwide each year (Global Clubfoot Initiative 2016). The condition is characterized by one or both feet being turned in and positioned in severe equinovarus. In a small percentage of cases CTEV can be associated with a range of co-morbidities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida or developmental dysphasia of the hip (DDH) (Boston Children's Hospital 2016).
We have the following facilities and amenities at our Kingston Upon Thames location:
We also have the Gait Laboratory for orthotics patients and Onsite Manufacturing for speedy turnarounds and adjustments whilst you wait.
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For more information, visit Litfield House Medical Centre.
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There is NO parking directly outside the clinic. These spaces are reserved for residents.
The nearest parking can be found at Billet Lane public pay & display opposite Queens Theatre, a 2-minute walk from the clinic.
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LOC’s clinic is based in the University of Salford’s Podiatry Department and provides treatments for orthotics, scoliosis, pectus deformities, positional plagiocephaly and club foot.
It is also the base for LOC’s northern OSKAR clinic which is run by Sam Walmsley, clinical director of LOC, in conjunction with Elaine Owen MBE MSc SRP MCSP.
Due to COVID-19, we have had to temporarily close the Salford clinic and are operating out of another clinic in Bolton.
508 Blackburn Rd,
Astley Bridge,
Bolton
BL1 8NW
For more information, please visit The Good Health Centre
LOC has been given the exclusive rights to prescribe & fit the Cunningham brace in the UK and Europe which forms a key part of our Clubfoot treatment.
The Cunningham Brace is an alternative to the traditional boots and bar approach commonly prescribed.
The Cunningham brace is used for paediatric treatment whereas adults can benefit from LOC's bespoke orthotics.
The Ponseti method is the gold standard treatment for club foot in the UK and most of the world.
The method involves gently manipulating the baby’s foot into a better position and then putting it into a cast.
Babies will then need to wear special boots attached to each other with a bar, to prevent club foot returning.
The Cunningham brace is the brainchild of Jerald Cunningham, a certified American prosthetist and orthotist.
It is a flexible brace that is only fitted to the affected leg and allows movement for all of the normal activities.
Gerald developed his brace in response to observing the distress to both child and parent with the Boots and Bar approach.
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Apprentice orthotist Catherine Hendy’s journey into the world of prosthetics and orthotics began in an unconventional way. After completing a degree in art, she then trained as an orthotics technician, before taking up an apprenticeship to become a clinician. Now, she’s been nominated for the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) Student of the Year 2024.
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Barney's very severe flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly) and diagnosis of torticollis led to successful helmet therapy with the LOCband, significantly improving his head shape, going from 27mm asymmetry to 12mm.