Our Work
bringing unique care to those who need it most
Jerald Cunningham, CPO, has spent the past 15 years developing an alternative method of bracing called the Cunningham Clubfoot Brace (also known as the Dynamic Torsional KAFO or DTKAFO) It is basically a flexible brace that is only fitted to the affected leg and allows movement for all of the normal activities such as crawling, rolling, standing and even walking. The brace is always gently stretching the baby into the correct position though, so it is acting as though the therapist is always there manipulating and correcting the foot rather than fixing it rigidly in a pre-determined position. In the case of a unilateral (single) clubfoot, because each leg is treated independently, only the affected foot is involved.
Because the child is not restricted in any way, the brace is worn full time until the child is ready to walk; after that, it is used for nights and naps. This means that the child receives an additional 3,800 hours of treatment time during the formative, first year of life when the most progress can be made. This is 40% more time as compared to the boots and bar approach which doesn't include daytime wear after 3 months.
In third world communities these braces can be adjusted, sanitized, and fitted with new components to be reused when the child outgrows his or her brace. Mother's can naturally carry their children and report feeling far less stigma than what is associated with the cumbersome boots and bar treatment.
The result is a very effective treatment protocol with significantly improved compliance.
Where we work
A focus of our work is partnering with existing organisations that are delivering care on the ground in locations around the world. A significant partner in our recent efforts is CURE, and we’ve worked closely with their team in Kijabe, Kenya. They treat babies all around the country, and our aim is to enable them to provide even better care with our unique approach in a cost effective way. We provide their team on the ground with braces, materials that are not easy to source locally (such as Velcro or strapping), as well as ongoing training and support. Our team has also traveled to Kijabe on two occasions to provide in person training. Cure is currently undertaking a study on the bracing system to evaluate its fit in Cure’s setting and ensure its long term effectiveness. Our present fundraising goal has been set to ensure cost and access do not become barriers to the completion of this impactful work.