Steve Mannion, an orthopaedic surgeon, works in Malawi and other areas of the world. In Malawi he runs clinics for adults and children with clubfoot.
1-2 children per thousand are born in the UK with clubfoot, technically called talipes equinovarus. Surgery has been a common treatment with varying results.
The Ponseti method, often performed by physiotherapists, was taken up by Steve Mannion to help deal with the large number of clubfoot sufferers in the country. Gentle manipulation and serial casting by the physio is used to correct the soft tissue deformity.
Once the deformity has been corrected the good position is maintained by special footwear or regular exercise and stretching.
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