The Ponseti method of treatment for clubfoot in Brazil: barriers to bracing compliance.

Background Clubfoot is the most common extremity birth defect. It causes the feet of affected individuals to point inward and downward, preventing them from walking normally. Neglected clubfoot causes disabilities that result in a lack of social integration, creating a psychological and financial burden for the family and community. Clubfoot has been effectively treated through the Ponseti method, a treatment utilizing serial casts to correct the deformity followed by use of an abduction brace for approximately 2-4 years. sustained use of the brace is necessary to prevent relapse and ensure a successful outcome. Brace compliance in the setting of limited resources in the developing world can be challenging. The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers to bracing compliance in southeastern Brazil. In addition to socioeconomic and cultural barriers, this study also looked at improper prescribing practices by physicians as a potential cause of noncompliance. The study sought to identify the role of physician education in the use of the Ponseti method and physicians’ knowledge of the bracing process.