International symposium to focus on clubfoot treatment

Non-surgical, low-tech Ponseti technique proving effective

We often think that high-tech, surgical methods are the best approach when it comes to medical care. But for children born with clubfoot, there is growing, worldwide interest in a low-tech, non-surgical method of treatment that is more effective, less expensive and easier to provide than surgery.

Ponseti International, the University of Iowa-based organization that promotes the technique, will hold a symposium Sept. 12 to 14 at the Marriott Coralville Hotel and Convention Center in Coralville, Iowa. Nearly 200 physicians and other health care providers, representing at least 30 countries, have signed up to attend the event that will explore research, patient care and education.

Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will attend, and conference attendees are expected to reach a consensus/recommendation on the technique. The event will be followed by the annual hands-on training for potential practitioners on Saturday, Sept. 15.

A related event, the fourth annual Ponseti Clubfoot Races, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, at the Marriott.

Clubfoot causes the feet to turn inward and downward and affects nearly 150,000 babies each year. More than 50 years ago, early in his UI career, Ignacio Ponseti, M.D., realized that surgical approaches were not successful. Ponseti, now emeritus professor of orthopaedics and rehabilitation at the UI Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, set about developing the method that now bears his name.