With the support of Dr. Paul Esposito, Governor Pete Ricketts has proclaimed June 3 to be World Clubfoot Day in the state of Nebraska.
Dr. Esposito sponsored the proclamation in conjunction with the Ponseti International Association (PIA), a leading organization in training and educating healthcare providers on the Ponseti Method of treatment for congenital clubfoot.
The Ponseti Method, developed by the late Dr. Ignacio Ponseti of The University of Iowa, is widely viewed as the gold standard for the treatment of clubfoot in infants. The method is non-surgical and relies on gentle manipulation and plaster casts to correct misaligned bones. The Ponseti Method has made treatment for clubfoot much more accessible, especially in developing countries.
"This a very treatable condition worldwide, without major surgeries, allowing children to grow up to become active, productive adults," said Dr. Esposito, who frequently performs castings and works with many families in the Omaha area.
World Clubfoot Day is recognized by a number of organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the United States Bone and Joint Initiative. As of early 2015, 14 states have approved the World Clubfoot Day proclamation.
Supporting World Clubfoot Day is an important step in raising awareness about congenital clubfoot.
"This is a diagnosis frequently made prenatally," Dr. Esposito said. "It is important for parents to know this is very treatable in centers such as Children’s Hospital & Medical Center that have the right training and expertise."