Parts of the Iowa Brace
The Iowa Brace consists of the following parts:
- One pair of clubfoot brace shoes (left and right)
- Two platforms (one for each shoe)
- Two plugs (one for each platform)
- Four screws (two for each platform)
- One Iowa Flexbar
- Two release keys
- Innovative, Comfortable and Affordable
Iowa Clubfoot Brace
Dr. Ignacio Ponseti revolutionized the treatment of clubfoot while at the University of Iowa in the 1940s. He developed a non-invasive technique that utilized gentle manipulation and serial casting of the feet to successfully correct clubfoot without major reconstructive surgery. Today, the Ponseti Method is the international standard for clubfoot treatment with a 97% correction rate.
The Iowa Clubfoot Brace is designed to maintain the correction achieved through the Ponseti Method and prevent relapse of clubfoot. Here’s how it supports your child’s journey:
Overview
Developed at the University of Iowa as a continuation of Dr. Ponseti’s pioneering work, the Iowa Brace ensures that children worldwide have access to the best clubfoot brace, regardless of economic or social circumstances. Combining innovation with humanitarian values, the Iowa Brace is affordable and effective for families everywhere.
Purpose
The Iowa Brace maintains clubfoot correction and prevents recurrence after the Ponseti method has fully corrected the foot. It is designed for use on both feet, even if only one foot is affected. The brace positions the shoes at 60 degrees for a corrected foot and 30 degrees for a normal foot.
Key Features:
- Enhanced Design: Features a secured buckle that resists removal by children and a reinforced locking tab to keep the bar securely attached.
- Adjustability: Includes an adjustable angle for the shoes, with platforms available in different sizes to accommodate growth.
- Durability: Constructed with breathable materials to prevent skin irritation and heat buildup, and designed for easy cleaning.
- User-Friendly: Designed for ease of use by parents, with a button release system for quick detachment from the bar.
- Comfort: Breathable materials help prevent skin irritation, heat buildup, and discomfort. The brace features a trimmable padded tongue for added comfort.
- Functional Design: Built-in AFO (ankle-foot orthosis) and 15 degrees of dorsiflexion allow for proper stretching of tendons and additional comfort.
Components:
- Shoes: Equipped with AFO inserts, cushioned tongues, and adjustable straps with enhanced buckles.
- Platforms: Available in small and large sizes, used to set the shoe angle and prevent incorrect locking.
- Iowa Flexbar: Comes in various lengths to match shoe sizes, providing flexibility and comfort.
Impact
Children with clubfoot face physical and emotional challenges. The Iowa Brace, along with the Ponseti Method, helps alleviate these challenges, allowing children to walk, run, and live pain-free lives. This brace reflects Dr. Ponseti’s legacy and his commitment to improving lives globally.
Learn More
- Download Sizing Information
- Bracing Tips
Legacy of Dr. Ignacio Ponseti: Dr. Ponseti’s non-invasive technique revolutionized clubfoot treatment, achieving a 97% correction rate. His legacy continues through Ponseti International Association and Clubfoot Solutions, striving to provide every child with a high-quality clubfoot brace.
