Celebration of the Life of
Ignacio V. Ponseti, M.D.
December 6, 2009On Sunday December 6, 2009 there will be a celebration of the life, legacy and accomplishments of Ignacio Ponseti, M.D. at the Coralville Marriott from 3 to 5 PM. Those wishing to express their sentiments about Dr. Ponseti and his impact on their lives or wishing to make a memorial contribution can do so here. Condolences Contributions
Dr. Ponseti’ s legacy will continue to live on through the Ponseti Laboratory, dedicated to investigating the cause of orthopaedic diseases, and the Ponseti International Association, dedicated to improve the treatment of children born with clubfoot with a global collaborative initiative through education, clinical research, improved access to care and the eradication of neglected clubfoot.
Beloved orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Ponseti, passed away on Oct 18, 2009Ignacio V. Ponseti MD passed away on October 18, 2009, with his wife Helena and his son at his bedside. Dr. Ponseti contributed so much to Orthopaedics and to improving the lives of patients around the world. He will be dearly missed by his colleagues and his patients. Those of us at the Ponseti International Association (PIA) will ensure that his work and his legacy continue. Memorial contributions may be made to Ponseti International Association through the UI Foundation PIA Contribution Page available here. Ignacio Ponseti, MD, whose pioneering, non-surgical, treatment has benefited hundreds of thousands of children worldwide, died Sunday at age 95 following a sudden illness. Memorial services are still being planned. Dr. Ponseti joined the orthopedics faculty at The University of Iowa in 1944 following his residency—remaining here the next four decades treating patients, teaching, and conducting research. He retired as professor emeritus in 1984, but returned in 1986 to a consultative practice in orthopedics In the course of his career he developed the Ponseti method for treating clubfoot, involving the careful manipulation of muscles, joints and ligaments held in a series of casts and braces to reposition the foot back to normal. It became the "gold standard" for clubfoot treatment, after decades of positive follow-up results and numerous international peer-reviewed studies showing success rates as high as 98 percent. Over the past decade, through educational and advocacy efforts, the Ponseti method has become the mainstream treatment for clubfoot in North America and is increasingly used to help children with clubfoot from underdeveloped regions of the world. In August 2006, the American Academy of Pediatrics endorsed the Ponseti method. Let us follow his example and honor him by continuing to do excellent work every day in promoting the Ponseti method. ***For memorial contributions to Ponseti International Association via check please use the following address:
University of Iowa Foundation
Attn Chris Collins
Levitt Center
1 W. Park Road
Iowa City, Iowa
P.O. Box 4550
52244-4550Condolences notes can be written on this page The Annual Ponseti Races held October 2009 can be seen in this Ponseti Races videoclip
"These are our children. If we do not stand up for them, who will?"-Teresa McLaughlin, parent of a child who was born with clubfoot Click here to find a doctor near you.
One Method:The Ponseti method was developed to treat congenital clubfoot, one of the most common congenital disorders, which affects approximately 150,000 children every year. When a child is born with clubfoot the foot is turned inward and down. One or both feet may be affected. If left untreated an affected person will have to walk on the side of their foot, which can cause great pain. The Ponseti method is the most effective way to treat this condition.
One Mission:
The Ponseti International Association (PIA) is committed to treating children around the world with clubfoot. Parents have been instrumental in making the Ponseti method a recognized standard for clubfoot treatment. Working together with parents, and other organizations we hope to eradicate clubfoot worldwide. One Cure:
Over 50 years ago Dr. Ignacio Ponseti developed an innovative, non-surgical treatment for clubfoot involving the gentle, manual manipulation of the child's foot and the application of toe-to-groin plaster casts. This method is endorsed by the World Health Organization, the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons and many other organizations. | | | | A previous letter from Dr. Ponseti to his patients and friends: I just want to let you know that now since I turned 95, I feel grateful that I was given the opportunity to have been of assistance to you and your family. Nothing delights more than to treat a clubfoot baby and restore its tiny feet to normalcy. This has been the passion of my life and I am fortunate that I was inspired to devise a non-surgical method to successfully treat this foot disorder. I am also pleased that many efforts are being made to export the Ponseti Method throughout the world. Dr. Jose Morcuende has been diligent in conducting seminars and training sessions in scores of countries. Hundreds of physicians and health care providers have been trained on the Ponseti Method abroad and in Iowa City where they have come to see how it is done. I also want you to know that my hip has healed completely. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your good wishes and prayers. Your support and affection have helped me during my recovery. I am looking forward to the Ponseti Symposium, as well as the Ponseti Run, that will be held in Iowa City on October 16-17, 2009, where we will see each other again. Thank you for your greetings and warm wishes. Ignacio Ponseti, M.D. ********
If you are the parent of a child with clubfeet click THIS LINK to respond to a questionnaire about information seeking and social support on the Internet. Click here for our new casting care instructions. Click here for our new clubfoot glossary. Click here for information on treating older children with clubfoot. |
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