OUR PROGRAMS

This program provides for the non-surgical treatment of clubfoot in newborns and infants from ages 0 to 4 years  supporting clinics currently operating in 6 public hospitals. The program uses the non-invasive Ponseti Method of manipulation, casting and bracing the feet over time as the child grows. This method has been endorsed by Cambodia Orthopedic Association and the Cambodian Ministry of Health.

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Treatment provides children born with clubfoot the opportunity of a normal life: to walk, run, play and look like other kids, free from pain, stigma and social exclusion.

 

Through the support of our key partner, MiracleFeet, this program provides: training to surgeons, physiotherapists and other health workers, clinical materials and supplies, free foot abduction bracing for children, awareness raising activities, and clinic coordinators to educate and support families through the treatment process. 

 

The program is affiliated with the Global Clubfoot Initiative, an umbrella organisation bringing non-government organisations (NGOs) in over 70 countries to build global capacity for quality clubfoot treatment and equitable service provision.

 

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This program provides intensive training to Cambodian doctors and allied health professionals in the identification and treatment of clubfoot using the internationally recognised Ponseti method of correction. The trained medical officers will work in provincial hospitals in NGO funded clinics to deliver free Ponseti clubfoot treatment to children in need.

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The Ponseti Method

Phase 1: Casting

• The foot is carefully manipulated and casted with plaster. This will happen once per week for 4 to 8 weeks.

Phase 2: Tenotomy

• Most children will need a simple cut of the Achilles tendon which helps the foot move up and down. Once this is done, the foot is in plaster again for 3 weeks. After this the child is usually ready to start using the brace.

Phase 3: Bracing

• A brace is used to keep the feet in the correct position and has to be worn immediately after the last cast is taken off. The brace should be worn all night and day for 3 months. After 2 months, the brace should be work during any naps and through the entire night. The child will need to wear the brace until he/she is 4 or 5 to prevent relapse.​

This program provides surgeries to children living in remote, rural areas in Cambodia who would otherwise go untreated.

 

Each year, the Surgical team from the National Paedatric Hospital. will travel to a provincial hospital to perform surgeries local hospitals do not have the skills to treat, including cleft lip/palate repair, burn contractures and other acquired/congenital physical deformities. 

 

Hospitals are selected based on the estimated number of cases requiring treatment and the hospital’s capacity to prepare the patients and provide post-operative care.

 

13 missions have been undertaken since 2011. Typically missions are conducted over a four day period, including travel, consultations, surgery (usually two days) and handover. There can be between 100 and 200 consultations with over 60 surgeries performed during the mission.

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The program also includes a surgical training component.