Braces used for Clubfoot: A new era!
First Published April 2017
Updated Sep 17, 2022
Updated August 2, 2024
One of the most common congenital birth disorders that babies are born with are called Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV) or commonly known as Clubfoot. This condition requires the use of braces to keep the foot or feet flexible for several years, even longer in some instances.
New designs in the bracing industry is showing huge potential to address various old bracing problems such as discomfort, blisters, and impacts on unaffected joints. Some scientific studies are showing up to confirm its usefulness and efficacy in keeping the status quo after relapses occurred for example, albeit still limited in number, thousands of patients have used these products thus far very successfully.
There are especially two new brace designs that shows great promise regarding improving patient outcomes and experiences whilst being more comfortable to use.
The DTKAFO by Cunningham Prosthetics in the USA and the ADM brace by C-Pro Direct in the UK are used in some settings with greater than expected success.
The Iowa Brace is also a new product by Clubfoot Solutions, although it looks similar to the current brace designs, the materials are softer and thus less blistering occurs, plus the product is less costly.
More recently a new Dobbs Bar Brace with Variable Spring settings were added to the list that can accommodate more levels of abduction in patients. The Dobbs Brace and the ADM Brace can both be ordered online via Kiddfoot LLC or at any Hanger Orthotics Company.
The lesson is that if you get stuck and cannot move forward using a product, request another or access another from a different provider or location, instead of going unbraced. Stopping bracing early only leads to a relapse of CTEV sooner according to many validated scientific studies.
The reason this update is necessary is due to the look and changes to the ADM brace that occurred after its launch in 2016. The brace changed from the blue sandal to a new green sandal with new straps and materials. New bar options are also on the way that may result in another update to this blog post.
You are welcome to request the study links in our groups on the website - see the group tag at the top of this web page and request to join our groups to receive more information about brace progression options.
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The pictures on our websites has been provided or purchased as stock pictures to use. Or the images were provided to the CRF with permission from the brace provider to use in our education. All Rights Reserved.
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