ABSTRACT
CAMTA, the Canadian Association of Medical Teams Abroad, is a group of medical and lay individuals dedicated to helping underprivileged people suffering from orthopedic problems in Ecuador. The informal group conducted two missions prior to officially incorporating in 2001 and has, since its official founding, conducted 3 more missions in Ecuador. During their surgical missions the CAMTA team also aims to share information and provide teaching to local nurses and physicians.
Subject(s)
Clubfoot/nursing , Clubfoot/surgery , Medical Missions/organization & administration , Altruism , Canada , Ecuador , Humans , Infant , Male , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Clubfoot or talipes equinovarus is a complex deformity characterized by three distinct manifestations. The foot is in an equinus position; the forefoot and heel are in varus; and the entire foot is supinated. While the exact etiology of this problem remains unknown, many advancements have been made in the treatment of clubfeet. The surgical procedure is progressive and tailored according the severity of the deformity. Pain management, thorough neurovascular assessments, and education of the family are essential to caring for these patients.
Subject(s)
Clubfoot/diagnosis , Clubfoot/surgery , Clubfoot/etiology , Clubfoot/nursing , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Nursing Assessment/methods , Orthopedic Nursing/methods , Parents/education , Patient DischargeABSTRACT
Clubfoot is a birth defect that is marked primarily by a deformed talus (ie, ankle) and calcaneous (ie, heel) that give the foot a characteristic "club-like" appearance. In congenital idiopathic clubfoot (ie, talipes equinovarus), the infant's foot points downward (ie, equinus) and turns inward (ie, varus), while the forefoot curls toward the heel (ie, adduction). This congenital disorder has an incidence of 1 in 400 live births, with boys affected twice as often as girls. Unilateral clubfoot is somewhat more common than bilateral clubfoot and may occur as an isolated defect or in association with other disorders (eg, chromosomal aberrations, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, arthrogryposis). Infantile clubfoot deformity is painless and is correctable with early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Subject(s)
Clubfoot/nursing , Operating Room Nursing/methods , Clubfoot/classification , Clubfoot/history , Clubfoot/surgery , History, 19th Century , History, 20th Century , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Patient Care Planning , Surgical InstrumentsABSTRACT
1. Clubfoot is more common in males and 50% of cases are bilateral. 2. Contact and reassurance with the parents is important during a lengthy procedure, such as bilateral club foot releases. 3. Edema is the most common complication of clubfoot repair, so it is important to monitor the infant closely postoperatively for circulatory problems.
Subject(s)
Clubfoot/nursing , Clubfoot/surgery , Operating Room Nursing/methods , Humans , Infant , Parents/psychology , Postoperative Care , Prone PositionABSTRACT
Although not life-threatening, clubfoot, a non-traumatic deviation of the foot, makes a strong impact on the infant, parents, and family. Serial casting with or without surgical intervention make up the medical plan. Nursing care needs to focus on emotional support of the family and education regarding the diagnosis, treatment plan, and daily care of an infant in a cast.
