valgusarmatuur

Valgusarmatuur is a Dutch term referring to a specific type of orthopedic appliance used to treat infantile clubfoot, also known as congenital talipes equinovarus. This condition is characterized by a deformity of the foot, where the heel is turned inward and the forefoot is pointed outward.

The valgusarmatuur is a corrective device used in the Dutch method of treating clubfoot. It consists of a cardboard or plaster cast that covers the leg from the thigh to the toes. The device is split down the center and attempts to make the foot look more normal by applying counter-pressure to the heel and allowing the foot to be positioned in an optimal way.

This method of treatment has been widely practiced in the Netherlands and other European countries for over a century. The valgusarmatuur is typically applied to the child's leg from birth, and it is gradually adjusted and refined over the first few months of life, often using the Ponseti technique. This technique involves serial casting to gradually correct the foot deformity.

The Dutch method of treating clubfoot using the valgusarmatuur has been used effectively in many cases, with a high success rate for correcting the condition. However, it is essential to note that each case may require custom treatment based on the severity and type of the deformity. Consultation with a healthcare professional, preferably a pediatric orthopedic specialist, is necessary to determine the best approach for treatment.