Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #100201

Patrick DeHeer, DPM, Hoosier Foot & Ankle, 205 E. Carmel Dr., Carmel, IN 46032, 317-580-1586, padeheer@sbcglobal.net

Purpose:To treat and cure clubfoot deformity in Haitian infants less than 2 years old with the Ponseti method of non-surgical clubfoot treatment. Demographics:Based on census population results, birth rates for 2003 and the rate of occurrence of clubfoot deformity in Caucasians (1/1000), Malawi (2/1000) and South African Blacks (3/1000), there will be approximately 300 to 700 Haitian babies born with clubfoot deformity annually. Need to Treat:Clubfoot is the most common congenital cause of locomotor disability in the developing world. Due to a limited number of surgeons and facilities in developing countries, the majority of these cases are either neglected or inadequately treated. The effect of the neglected or recurrent clubfoot on quality of life is severe in developing countries. The result is limited ability to ambulate with dependency for daily activities which produces significant economic impact on a country that is the 3rd poorest country in the world and poorest in the western hemisphere. It is also well documented that children with clubfoot are associated with considerable social stigma and less likely to receive an education. The Ponseti Method: Typical course of therapy consists of 5 castings followed by bracing to maintain the correction up to the age of three. The Uganda Clubfoot project had a 96.7% success rate in 176 children with 182 clubfeet over a 3 year period of time. Long term study by Cooper and Dietz reported 78% good and excellent results at a minimum follow-up of 25 years.

Learning Objectives:

• This session will define the epidemiology of clubfoot deformity in developing countries and also inform the learner on the current treatment of this deformity. A comprehensive plan of care for this deformity in developing countries may then be created based on this presentation.

Keywords: Outreach Programs, International Public Health

Related Web page: haitianclubfootproject.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation