Orthopaedic Hospital | Press Release

Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital Announces New Non-Invasive Treatment Option For Clubfoot Deformity

LOS ANGELES - September 21, 2006 -The Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital (LAOH) Outpatient Medical Center announces a new non-invasive method for treating newborns affected with clubfoot. The hospital will hold a weekly clinic to treat this very correctable, but potentially debilitating deformity.

With clubfoot deformities affecting approximately 1 in 1000 newborns, LAOH recognized the need for advanced treatment options. Lewis Zionts, M.D., a pediatric orthopaedist for LAOH, has recently studied and used the Ponseti treatment method to effectively treat clubfoot deformity. In an otherwise normal foot, correction can be achieved within two months or less, with treatment starting within 7-10 days of birth. Dr. Ignacio Ponseti, a professor emeritus at the University of Iowa, developed the minimally invasive method for clubfoot treatment that has been successfully implemented in several centers worldwide.

To assist with treatment, the Orthopaedic Hospital clubfoot clinic led by Dr. Zionts, offers the professional services of an experienced pediatric orthopaedic surgeon skilled in the Ponseti treatment technique, physical therapists, cast technicians, and orthotists.

For nearly a century, doctors have used surgery to correct clubfoot deformity. By releasing ligaments and tendons, doctors were able to place an immature foot into a more normal position. Unfortunately such surgery led to pain and stiffness by the time the patient reached adolescence. "The Ponseti treatment was developed in the 1950s, however the technique was slow to win acceptance by orthopaedic surgeons who preferred surgery to treat patients with clubfeet. More recently, superior results of this method have been reported from a number of centers and it is rapidly becoming the standard of care for the treatment of children with this deformity," commented Dr. Zionts.

The Ponseti method involves specific manipulations and a series of cast applications performed weekly for four to six weeks. At the end of that period, a small surgical procedure is performed to lengthen the heelcord and a cast is worn for an additional three weeks. A special orthopaedic devise is worn for a period to maintain correction.

Notable figures whom have been affected with clubfoot include Kristi Yamaguchi, 1992 Olympic figure skating gold medalist, world-renown soccer player Mia Hamm and football great Troy Aikman.

Clinic Details: The Clubfoot Clinic is located at the Orthopaedic Hospital Outpatient Medical Center, 2501 S. Flower St. Los Angeles, CA 90007 by appointment. Staff is bilingual and all types of insurance are accepted. Call (213) 741-8330 for further information.

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About Orthopaedic Hospital

Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital (OH) is a recognized world leader in patient care, education and research in orthopaedics, resulting in an improved quality of life for children and adults with crippling disorders. For nearly a century, OH has been helping children afflicted with crippling conditions lead healthy, active lives, regardless of the family's ability to pay. The hospital is supported by the Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital Foundation and is expanding both its treatment and research facilities. In an alliance with UCLA, the new inpatient Orthopaedic Hospital is under construction in Santa Monica. The Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center opened in September 2007 in Westwood and is the largest and most sophisticated musculoskeletal research facility in the world. www.orthohospital.org.

Media Contact:
The Phelps Group
310-752-4400

Kristina Irwin, ext. 209
kristina_irwin@thephelpsgroup.com

Kristen Bergevin, ext. 181
kristen@thephelpsgroup.com

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