IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-7-7-16188 Original Research Paper OBSTACLES ENCOUNTERED DURING TREATMENT OF CLUBFOOT BY PONSETI METHOD IN WESTERN RAJASTHAN Goyal Dr. Dr. Hemant Jain Dr. July 2018 7 7 01 02 ABSTRACT

INRTODUCTION: Idiopathic clubfoot affects approximately 50,000 children each year and is one of the leading causes of disability in India. Ponseti’s technique of casting, tenotomy and bracing is an acceptable method worldwide in its management.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: The Ponseti technique is very slowly picking up in our country, inspite of its ease of usage and compatible results. In this retrospective study of 215 patients enrolled from march 2013 to June 2016.We will be discussing the ponseti’s technique in brief, various set–up’s where the technique is being adopted and the obstacles faced by parents at each level.

RESULTS: In our study total 37 (17.2%) parents’ encountered obstacles. The most frequent obstacles to thePonseti method in our study are lack of awareness for clubfoot treatment (43.2%),  patient transportation and distance to treatment centres (24.3%),poor socioeconomic status (13.5%), complications during serial casting (13.5%),and (5%) other obstacles.

CONCLUSION: Inspite of Ponseti casting technique becoming a common method to treat clubfoot worldwide. In India there are several physician & patients related factors influencing the outcome. There is lack of awareness programs in media (TV/newspaper), schools and colleges and in public meetings. In our country there is no national health programme for clubfoot deformity, so diagnosis of clubfoot deformity is frequently missed at delivery points like sub centers, PHC, CHC and District hospitals. Poor transportation in remote, hard desert area producing hurdle for weekly serial casting and regular follow up.