Pune: Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre in Pimpri, Pune, recently hosted its Annual Clubfoot Get-Together in collaboration with Dr. Sameer Desai, a renowned Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon.
The event successfully brought together parents, children, and healthcare professionals to celebrate the progress in clubfoot treatment and raise awareness about the condition.
Clubfoot, medically known as Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV), is a deformity where the foot is twisted inward, affecting 2-3 in every 1,000 live births. Though it can be diagnosed prenatally through ultrasound, treatment starts post-birth.
The event featured a presentation by Dr. Sameer Desai on the latest advancements in clubfoot treatment, followed by an interactive session with parents.
Children who had completed four years of treatment were honored with medals and certificates, recognizing their achievements. The event also celebrated the contributions of dedicated volunteers and concluded with a networking session for families and professionals.
Dr. Yashraj Patil, Trustee and Treasurer of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, emphasized the importance of such gatherings, stating, “The Annual Clubfoot Get-Together serves as a vital platform for raising awareness and showcasing the impact of early intervention.
By connecting parents, healthcare professionals, and the community, we aim to foster a better understanding of clubfoot and the effective treatments available.
Our mission is to ensure that every child receives the care they need, and events like these are crucial in spreading that message and engaging the community.”
Dr. Sameer Desai highlighted the treatability of clubfoot, noting, “Clubfoot is completely manageable if diagnosed early. Treatment involves simple plaster casts and a minor procedure known as tenotomy.
There’s a misconception that clubfoot is linked to superstitions, but it often results from the baby’s positioning in the womb.”
Dr. J. S. Bhawalkar, Dean of Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, underlined the importance of awareness programs like the Annual Clubfoot Get-Together in dispelling myths and educating parents on the significance of early diagnosis and treatment.
He stated, “Our institution is dedicated not only to providing medical care but also to educating the community to improve health outcomes. By engaging with parents and healthcare professionals, we make significant strides in reducing the impact of treatable conditions like clubfoot.”
The event underscored the commitment of Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College to both medical excellence and community engagement, ensuring better futures for children affected by clubfoot.