When the foot looks corrected and normal why follow up for five years?

Corrected clubfoot looks normal but it is like a dog’s tail. When we hold it straight it remains straight but when we release it, it goes to the original position. In four to six weeks correction is achieved in a foot that was twisted inward and upward. To maintain the correction it is important that the foot is kept in the corrected position with foot abduction brace for four to five years (first three months 23 hours a day and then night and nap time for four to five years).

Earlier the protocol for follow-up with the brace was for two to three years. Later the scholars and researchers involved with the Ponseti method learnt that children who were left without foot abduction braces after three years suffered a relapse. The follow-up time was increased to four years and at present the international standard for follow-up using foot abduction brace for clubfoot is five years.