Provider Resources
Provider
Resources
Your goal is a successful path through treatment for every patient. Ours too. We’re here to support you with the best possible devices for that journey, as well as helpful information and resources.
The Ponseti Method
Our products are designed to support the Ponseti Method — a highly developed, multi-year process that guides families to a successful correction of their little one’s clubfoot condition.
For more detailed information on the Ponseti Method and its application, please visit Ponseti International at ponseti.info.
Year 1
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Diagnosis of Clubfoot (at or before birth)
Most clubfoot diagnoses are made during a prenatal ultrasound exam or immediately after birth.
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Treatment Phase (6-8 weeks)
Weekly treatment sessions typically begin within one to two weeks of birth. In each session, a specialist uses their hands to gently manipulate and stretch the ligaments and tendons of the baby’s foot. A plaster cast is then applied to reinforce the newly corrected shape and position. This process typically continues for six to eight weeks, gradually bringing the baby’s foot into the correct alignment.
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Tenotomy Procedure
Before applying the final cast, most babies undergo a percutaneous Achilles tenotomy. This minor in-office procedure involves making a tiny incision to the Achilles tendon. By the time the cast is removed, the tendon has healed and grown to the proper length.
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Maintenance Phase (3 months)
After the last cast is removed, the child is fitted for a special brace, consisting of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) attached at the ends of a lightweight bar. This brace is typically worn for 23 hours a day for three months. It is critical that the brace is worn exactly as prescribed, in order to ensure successful repositioning of the foot.
Year 2-5
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Sleep Maintenance
To ensure the correction holds, the child will continue to wear the AFO and bar during the night while sleeping for four years, or as prescribed.
Learn more about the Mitchell Ponseti anatomical training models for Ponseti Method manipulations, casting and tenotomy procedures
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Complex Clubfoot
Less than 5% of infants born with clubfoot have very severely affected, short, plump feet with stiff ligaments that are unyielding to stretching. They also have a deep transverse skin fold across the sole of the foot and another crease above the heel. These babies require special treatment and may need surgical correction. The results are better, however, if bone and joint surgery can be avoided altogether. Surgery in the clubfoot is invariably followed by scarring, stiffness and muscle weakness that becomes more severe and disabling after adolescence.
Source:Ponseti International (ponseti.info)
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Treatment of the Complex Idiopathic Clubfoot
Abstract by: Matthew B. Dobbs, MD Jose A Morcuende, MD Christina Gurnett, MD & Ignacio Ponseti, MD -
Complex Clubfoot Following Cast Slippage Presentation By Dr. Ignacio Ponseti
Video by Global Help -
Complex Clubfoot At Birth Presentation By Dr. Ignacio Ponseti
Video by Global Help -
Modified Ponseti® Management In The Amyoplastic Form Of Arthrogryposis
Video by Global Help
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages/benefits of your brace vs. other clubfoot braces?
When a child is in pain or uncomfortable, the parent may remove the brace, contributing to relapse. Our AFOs have been designed to promote comfort in every detail, including a soft inner lining and a soft synthetic leather body—leading to a demonstrated increase in compliance with the use of our brace.
In addition, our AFOs feature viewing holes at the heel to allow parents to easily check and readjust heel placement. Our patented lock-and-release mechanism makes putting on and taking off our AFOs easy and convenient, helping parents navigate everyday activities like diapering, high chairs and shopping cart seating.
Fitting
How do I know what size AFO and bar to recommend?
Do buckles go to the inside of the foot or to the outside of the foot?
The Mitchell Ponseti® AFO was designed with the buckles set to the inside of the foot, making it a bit easier for parents to put them on and take them off. However, some Ponseti® experts do allow buckles to the outside of the foot based on professional preference or customer convenience. Changing the orientation of the buckles will not alter the performance or add risk of injury.
My patient needs a different size. What should we do?
Contact our helpful customer service team at 1-877-766-7384 for help and troubleshooting.
The patient’s heel isn’t down in the AFO. Is there something wrong?
Place the foot into the shoe, bend the child’s knee and push down slightly to make sure the heel is seated. Press gently on the top of the foot (where the leg meets the foot) with your thumb to make sure that the foot is all the way in, and tighten the middle strap first. The strap helps keep the heel firmly down into the shoe.
How long will each pair of AFOs and the bar last?
On average, an AFO will last 4-9 months. However, some children grow rapidly and will need new AFOs sooner. As your child’s growth rate slows, more time can be expected from each AFO.
The bars are adjustable and should last approximately 2-3 pairs of AFOs. The bar width should be periodically checked and adjusted to match your child’s shoulder width or as recommended by your physician or orthotist.
Do I have to use an impression kit or can I just take measurements?
An impression kit is not required. Most customers enjoy good results using measurements only. Processing an impression kit will add 1-2 days to your order processing time.
Ordering questions
How do I submit an order?
What type of payment do you accept?
We accept check, money order and Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. We also accept Western Union payment (please contact our office for details). Terms are available for business accounts. Please contact us at 1-877-766-7384 for additional information.
How much does shipping cost?
Domestic shipping options include UPS Ground/Surepost, $12.00; UPS 2nd Day Air, $30.00; and UPS Next Day Air, $50.00. International shipping charges vary by country and will be displayed during checkout online.
How long will it take for my order to arrive?
Orders are typically shipped within 1-2 business days, pending availability. Our business hours are 8-5pm on Mondays through Thursdays; we are closed on Fridays. For shipments within the USA, the transit time for most UPS ground packages is 2-3 business days; see the attached UPS map for Ground transit time. Please see our order form or online checkout cart for faster shipping options. International orders are shipped using UPS Worldwide Expedited and may take up to 5-7 business days to arrive.
Warranty / Return Policy
What is your return policy?
First and foremost, we want you and your child to be happy and comfortable with your system. So we handle all returns on a case-by-case basis. Before sending back any items, make sure to contact our customer service team for a Return Authorization Number. Note that refunds may take up to 4 weeks upon receipt to process.