URGENT - CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A CONSULTANT ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

[willow2]

My best friend?s sister has just given birth to a little boy who has been born with Talipes and will need corrective surgery to both feet. Can anyone recommend a consultant orthopedic surgeon specialising in this field, in the London area. The family are prepared to pay for private treatment. Thank you.

Blu, I disagree that the Ponseti method is only just catching on here, it was started in this country in 98/99,I think, and has been gathering pace since then.

The last Ponseti Method conference in Manchester was over-subscribed with interested professionals (doctors, nurses, physios) and the patients of a lot of those people are not given a choice in their treatment- they get the Ponseti method.

Anyone can be taught how to do the manipulations- it's not difficult- in Uganda, all children born with club feet are treated with the Ponseti method by locally trained, non-medical health workers. Their results are very good indeed.

Parental preference can only play a role if the parents are aware that alternatives exist. Ponseti hasn't taken off because parents are demanding it, but because health professionals have been convinced of its benefits. True, more need to be convinced, but we're getting there...

Tissy, I think it's brilliant that in the 3 years since I started researching talipes when my DS was diagnosed at 20 wk scan, the number of qualified consultants has snowballed..there wasn't anyone in London, then, just Sunderland and scotland, I think! I have just been aware of lots and lots of parents working hard to get ponsetti treatment, and like Dinosuar, travelling the length of the country for appointments...and I think I got the parent-led thing from a consultant writing in the STEPS magazine. Anyway, whatever, it seems a great development, and I wish that my DS's condition had been treatable without surgery, as I fear for his longer term prospects re pain etc.

Are you a health professional in this area? You sound very usefully 'genned up'.

Willow2 - I sent you an email from my father's email address - did you get it?

Blu, is your ds the one featured in the recent Steps magazine?

Yes to your question, btw!

Tissy - Yes, how did you guess?

You mentioned a talipes-like condition, a 20-week scan, a second opinion- it all seemed to add up!

Tha's blown my cover! What gives you such a close interest in STEPS etc? (you can e mail me behind the scenes if you don't want to post a reply).

Blu and Dinosaur - I did email you both to say that I was still waiting for my friend's sister to call me back - not really sure what is going on! Sorry to much you about, but as soon as I hear from her I'll give her your contact details - and let you know that I have done so. Thanks ever so much.

Tissy - I'd be really interested to know what it is you do - again please contact me through "Contact another talker" if you don't want to divulge on here.

Just to say that I've spoken to my friend's sister. She is extremely grateful for all the help so far - and I imagine will be appearing here soon! So a warm welcome will be called for - not that I need to tell you that.

Only just seen this Willow2! Look forward to "meeting" her!

I saw a great female orthopedic surgeon for Lottie at The Wellington Hospital in St Johns Wood. Her name is Deborah Eastwood and the phone number is 0208 954 2300. It was a private consultation but she does NHS stuff too.

A friend has asked me to try and find a surgeon who maybe able to help his daughter who has splayed feet.She is now 12 years of age and its ruining her life because of the bullying she's experiencing. Has anyone got any advice for them please?

Mr Rowan Pool has an established paediatric practice

Long shot here - but Dino or Blu, did I ever put you in direct contact with my friend's sister? I need to contact her urgently but seem to have lost her email. If so, can you email me it? Thanks.