Eli's Feet www.maddieli.blogspot.com

At my 20-week ultrasound, the OB/GYN noticed that Eli's feet were turned in. She suspected clubfeet, but sent us to a maternal-fetal specialist to verify. Although we'd never considered this possibility, I was born with my left foot 'clubbed', so in hindsight, it should have been expected. The specialist confirmed bilateral clubfeet, and ordered a monthly ultrasound to monitor the situation and to ensure there were no other skeletal deformities. Luckily, Eli's condition is very treatable, and he should walk right on schedule with other kids his age.

We are following the Ponseti method of treatment (non-surgical), which includes approximately 6 sets of casts (applied once a week), followed by a likely procedure referred to as a tenotomy (clipping of a tendon to release tightness in the heel) and one final set of casts, and finished off by temporary use of a foot abduction brace (a bar worn between the feet to keep them turned out). This bar will be worn for 23hours/day for the first three or four months, and as Eli's feet improve and he gains mobility, it will be worn only during nap/sleep times. There are links on the front blog page (www.maddieli.blogspot.com) to a few websites, should you have any questions.

The following are video and pictures documenting the progress made on Eli's feet.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Eli
• Clubfeet
• Ponseti

[richf1976]

Hi, Did your son have local or general anesthesia when he had his tenotomy? Thanks

[nosaile]

He had general. They often use local because it is such a short procedure, but our doctor opted for general to ensure a quick and painless tenotomy.

[tanypuertomadryn]

IT IS VERY BEAUTIFUL THIS VIDEO, ANGELS ARE OUR CHILDREN FOR STOPPING BY THIS AND SMILE, MY BABY HAS FERULAS AND HAS 4 MONTHS GREETINGS FROM ARGENTINA!

[fabydeby]

HI...MY NAME IS DEBBY I `M FROM BRAZIL AND I LOVE SO MUCH THIS VIDEO! I HAVE A 3 YEAR OLD SON , WHO WAS BORN WITH CLUB FOOT ( RIGHT ) AND SINCE HE WAS BORN I SHOW THIS VIDEO TO ALL PARENTS WHO HAVE CHILDREN WITH CLUBFOOT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH ! IT`S REALLY EXCITING!

[korigressmen]

Thank you so much for posting this! I am in tears, only because it gives me hope for my son! Lets see more!

[chanelle1013]

This is so inspiring thank you for posting this.

[smcgartland83]

i had club foot at birth and had all this, I'm now 26 and its so interested to see what it must have been like for my parents!

[yiqanuc]

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing this

[richf1976]

Thanks for your answer earlier. I had one more question, did your baby have to fast before being put under?