27-04-2025
Parental non-compliance leads to clubfoot relapse: Experts
Lucknow:
Clubfoot treatment
success faces challenges, as medical professionals note that approximately 30% of treated cases experience a relapse, primarily because parents fail to adhere to the prescribed aftercare instructions. Clubfoot is a birth defect where a baby's foot is twisted out of shape or position.
At the '3rd KGMU Clubfoot Program — Training on
Ponseti Method
of Clubfoot Management' held at King George's Medical University (KGMU) on Sunday, experts shared that nearly 90% of relapses occur because parents fail to consistently use the specialised shoes and follow instructions. The event saw the participation of 120 orthopaedic experts who emphasised the critical role of early treatment and parental responsibility.
"Parents' commitment is the key," said Prof Ajai Singh, executive director, AIIMS Bhopal and guest of honour. "In most cases, the initial treatment is successful, but lack of regular use of braces or shoes after correction leads to relapse. This can be avoided if parents stay vigilant and follow doctors' advice carefully," he stressed.
Prof Vikas Verma, head of Paediatric Orthopaedics, KGMU, explained that clubfoot is primarily caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. "Currently, there is no preventive mechanism for clubfoot. However, we know that exposure to risks during pregnancy, like smoking, lead fumes from fossil fuels and battery-related toxins can contribute to its development," he underlined.
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He added, "Some parents still mistakenly consider clubfoot a result of a solar or lunar eclipse seen by the mother during pregnancy and wait for natural correction, which worsens the condition and sometimes leads to surgeries."
Doctors pointed out that early intervention is the best strategy for success. "If treatment starts before the child turns two, about 90% of cases can be corrected without surgery using the Ponseti method," said Dr Suresh Chand, faculty at orthopaedics KGMU and organising secretary. "As the child grows, bones and joints stiffen, making treatment more complicated," he added.
Dr Syed Faisal Afaque, another faculty member in paediatric orthopaedics, highlighted that the Ponseti method — involving gentle manipulation and casting — is globally accepted as the most effective technique. "Proper training of healthcare providers and awareness among parents are crucial to ensuring that children with clubfoot can lead normal, active lives," he said.
The experts jointly urged parents to strictly adhere to post-correction protocols, such as using special boots and bars for the prescribed duration, to prevent relapse.
