top of page
Logo_E.jpeg

The problem with the feets of Chetra Ma

stiftungkanthaboph

Chetra Ma is a boy who faces great challenges due to his clubfoot. He finds it difficult to walk as the deformity causes his feet to turn inwards. This makes it difficult for him to keep his balance and move comfortably. This not only affects his mobility, but also limits his ability to participate in activities with other children.


The boy started treatment in Phnom Penh when he was one to two months old. However, his grandmother did not follow the prescribed treatment protocol, which is crucial for early and effective treatment of clubfoot. She eventually took him to Jayavarman 7 (Kantha Bopha Hospital) in Siem Reap for unexplained reasons. The doctors suspect that the grandmother did not trust the doctors in Phnom Penh.


The boy is now being treated in Siem Reap. However, there are fears that the delay could compromise the effectiveness of conservative treatment - as this is most successful if it is started early and carried out consistently. If conservative treatment does not bring the desired success, surgical interventions such as tendon displacement or osteotomy may be necessary.

 

Both legs have now been plastered to correct the deformity. This method is often used to gradually bring the feet into a more natural alignment. The casts are usually changed weekly to slowly adjust the position of the foot. After several weeks in the cast, the boy may also undergo a minor procedure called a tenotomy: This involves releasing the tight Achilles tendon, followed by another period in plaster. After the cast is removed, the boy will wear a splint to maintain the correction and prevent a relapse.


I was thrilled to be able to apply the casts myself and was so happy to help the little boy. I hope he recovers quickly and can soon walk and play like other children his age.





6 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page