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World J Orthop. Nov 18, 2014; 5(5): 585-590
Published online Nov 18, 2014. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v5.i5.585
Worldwide spread of the Ponseti method for clubfoot
Lior Shabtai, Stacy C Specht, John E Herzenberg
Lior Shabtai, Stacy C Specht, John E Herzenberg, International Center for Limb Lengthening, Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics, Sinai Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21215, United States
Author contributions: Shabtai L, Specht SC and Herzenberg JE solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: John E Herzenberg, MD, FRCSC, International Center for Limb Lengthening, Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics, Sinai Hospital, 2401 West Belvedere Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215, United States. jherzenberg@lifebridgehealth.org
Telephone: +1-410-6010894 Fax: +1-410-6019575
Received: January 8, 2014
Revised: April 10, 2014
Accepted: July 18, 2014
Published online: November 18, 2014
Processing time: 224 Days and 5.3 Hours
Abstract

The Ponseti method has become the gold standard for the treatment of idiopathic clubfoot. Its safety and efficacy has been demonstrated extensively in the literature, leading to increased use around the world over the last two decades. This has been demonstrated by the increase in Ponseti related PubMed publications from many countries. We found evidence of Ponseti activity in 113 of 193 United Nations members. The contribution of many organizations which provide resources to healthcare practitioners in low and middle income countries, as well as Ponseti champions and modern communication technology, have helped to spread the Ponseti method around the world. Despite this, there are many countries where the Ponseti method is not being used, as well as many large countries in which the extent of activity is unknown. With its low rate of complication, low cost, and high effectiveness, this method has unlimited potential to treat clubfoot in both developed and undeveloped countries. Our listing of countries who have not yet shown presence of Ponseti activity will help non-governmental organizations to target those countries which still need the most help.

Keywords: Ponseti; Clubfoot; World; Organization; Children

Core tip: The Ponseti method has become the gold standard for the treatment of idiopathic clubfoot. With its low rate of complication, low cost, and high effectiveness, this method has unlimited potential to treat clubfoot in both developed and undeveloped countries. Our listing of countries who have not yet shown presence of Ponseti activity will help organizations to target those countries which still need the most help.