Treating Campomelic Dysplasia

Splints And Casts

One of the more common symptoms of campomelic dysplasia, known as clubfoot, can be helped through the use of splints and casts. Casts are most effective for helping with a clubfoot when they are started very early on. Two weeks old is a good time to start due to the elasticity of ligaments at that point. After doing simple stretches, a cast is placed on the feet. The cast will extend from the toes up to the upper thigh, and the knees are left at a right angle. Every week these casts are removed, the stretches are repeated, and new casts are put on. The idea is that every time the casts are put on, the feet are closer to normal. The number of cycles to cure this issue can be anywhere from five casts to nine, depending on the level of flexibility present. After the casting phase is over, splints are used to maintain the results. They are worn all of the time for two to three months and then nightly for up to five years.

Learn about the surgery often used to help treat campomelic dysplasia next.