World Clubfoot Day Observed at Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College, Koraput

By Suryanarayan Panda

Koraput, June 3:The Department of Orthopedics at Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital, Koraput, observed World Clubfoot Day on Tuesday, celebrating the lives transformed through timely intervention and treatment of clubfoot — one of the most common congenital deformities affecting newborns.

Commemorated globally on June 3 to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. Ignacio Ponseti, the pioneer of the globally acclaimed Ponseti Method, the day aims to raise awareness about this treatable condition and recognize the efforts of healthcare professionals and parents alike.

“World Clubfoot Day is dedicated to the children whose lives have been transformed by timely treatment, the parents whose unwavering dedication has brought hope, the providers whose healing hands have guided thousands to mobility, and all the champions who continue to support this cause,” said Dr. Sushant Kumar Sahu, Superintendent of the hospital, addressing the gathering.

Highlighting the success of the Ponseti Method, Dr. Sambit Velegada, Assistant Professor in the Orthopedics Department, remarked, “The Ponseti Method is the undeniable solution to clubfoot. It has brought mobility, opportunity, and freedom to hundreds of thousands of children worldwide, offering an effective and affordable treatment for this birth defect.”

Dr. Velegada underscored the importance of early detection and timely intervention. “When newborns with clubfoot are identified by medicos or family members, treatment using plaster casting should ideally begin before the child turns two. Early initiation not only improves outcomes but also minimizes the need for surgical intervention,” he explained.

Depending on the severity, treatment involves three to ten weekly plaster sessions, with most cases requiring around seven. Post-correction, specialized shoes must be worn for at least five years to maintain the corrected foot position.

Dr. Sahu also drew attention to the persistent challenge of creating awareness in rural and remote areas. “In many inaccessible regions, lack of awareness leads to delayed treatment, resulting in children growing up with preventable deformities. Tragically, some are even issued disability certificates for conditions that are entirely correctable,” he observed.

Despite these hurdles, the department has successfully corrected at least 300 clubfoot cases free of cost. Presently, around 400 children are under regular weekly treatment at the hospital’s clubfoot clinic.

The observance not only paid tribute to Dr. Ponseti’s pioneering contribution but also reaffirmed the department’s commitment to ensuring accessible, effective, and free treatment for every child born with clubfoot in the region.