Abstract:
Background: Congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot) affects a lot of newborns annually, with the greatest burden concentrated in low- and middle-income countries, where access to consistent orthopedic follow-up remains limited with a lot of problems. Although the Ponseti method is the gold standard, treatment success is frequently compromised by poor brace adherence, cost burden, repeated hospital visits, and relapses requiring surgical corrections.
Innovation / Methods: We have designed and developed a novel orthotic device (prototype) intended to maintain corrected foot alignment mainly improving infant comfort and usability. Unlike traditional Denis Browne bars and serial casting protocols, this device offers a simplified, wearable, home-manageable alternative suitable for resource-constrained settings. The prototype was engineered to preserve positioning in all three axis, support muscle balance, and reduce dependence on frequent in-person casting sessions. Planned clinical evaluation includes Pirani scoring, foot-angle assessment, compliance measures, and feasibility analysis in outpatient pediatric orthopedic settings mainly.
Expected Impact / Results: The device will improve treatment adherence by enhancing comfort, reducing complexity, and minimizing repeated hospital visits. It has a low-cost design that makes it particularly relevant for Low- and Middle-Income Countries implementation, where delayed follow-up commonly leads to relapses and avoidable surgery.
Conclusion: This orthotic innovation will offer a practical global surgery solution for one of the most common pediatric musculoskeletal deformities worldwide. It addresses adherence barriers in low-resource settings, it may significantly improve equitable access to effective clubfoot care and reduce the long-term surgical burden on children and healthcare systems and will improve compliance.
Biography:
Haseeb Hassan is a third-year MBBS student at NUST School of Health Sciences, Pakistan, with interests in global surgery, pediatric orthopedics, and medical innovation. He is developing a novel orthotic clubfoot intervention aimed at improving accessibility and treatment compliance in resource-limited settings. His research has been presented at national scientific forums, and he actively contributes to academic leadership and global health advocacy initiatives
Copyright 2024 Mathews International LLC All Rights Reserved
