miraclefeet Treating Clubfoot in Nicaragua

miraclefeet began work in Managua, Nicaragua in May 2011. Nicaragua is the poorest country in Latin America, with overcrowded hospitals that often lack basic supplies and equipment. However, Nicaragua is fortunate to have an experienced Ponseti doctor, which is what motivated miraclefeet to start to work in this country. The total number of clubfoot cases is relatively small, but many go untreated so the opportunity to have an impact is very high. Spending on health care is declining and resources are extremely limited. A little miraclefeet support goes a long way in Nicaragua

miraclefeet Partners with Hospital Velez Paiz

Hospital Velez Paiz is the main public hospital in the country, and the only one that treats pediatric orthopedic cases. Children travel hundreds of miles, from every region of Nicaragua, for treatment. Velez Paiz houses a strong and experienced team of pediatric orthopedic surgeons, including Dr. Mario Sequeira Somoza.

Dr. Sequeira trained with Dr. Ponseti in Iowa, and has a personal stake in the success of the Ponseti Method in Nicaragua. His own son was born with clubfoot 19 years ago, before Dr. Sequeira learned of the Ponseti Method. Consequentially, his son received multiple surgeries, which have left him with a limp and in constant pain. Dr. Sequeira works with fellow doctors to treat about 30 children that fill the waiting room each Tuesday.

miraclefeet support will initially focus on expanding clinic capacity, and providing free braces for all families. Next, miraclefeet and Velez Paiz will tackle the critical issue of educating the medical community (including rural clinics, midwives, and maternity hospitals) about the availability treatment to reduce the numbers of neglected clubfoot.

Dr. Sequeira, Nicaragua's most experienced clubfoot doctor,
fits a brace on one of his patients.