Gianna: Bilateral Clubfoot

“Gianna is doing wonderfully — she’s been playing softball, and dancing ballet. She’s also often chosen as the lead in her school plays,” said Denise, proud mother of a ten year-old born with bilateral clubfeet.

It’s hard to believe that this graceful ballerina’s feet were twisted almost completely backward at birth.

Denise and her husband first received Gianna’s diagnoses while at the OB/GYN. “Her condition was seen on the ultrasound almost half way through my pregnancy. At that time, doctors told us that she might not function normally. They said she might not be able to do regular activities, and that she may walk with a limp,” recalled Denise.

Denise, a registered nurse, knew that the first thing she needed to do was research. She jumped online and spoke to doctors that she worked with about her unborn baby’s prognosis. One of her contacts mentioned Joshua Hyman, MD, Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, Assistant Attending at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center. Through her research, Denise learned that Dr. Hyman is head of the hospital’s Clubfoot Center of New York, and actively involved in research trials on clubfoot. She immediately made an appointment to see him. Gianna

“I met with Dr. Hyman when I was 20 weeks pregnant. Together we went over our plan of action — beginning with serial castings. He relieved my anxiety because I knew we were all set and ready to go with treatments once the baby was born,” said Denise.

When Gianna was four days old, she received her first casts, and every subsequent Friday for many weeks. At five months old, she received her first surgery to straighten her feet. When she was three years old, she received her last surgery, which lengthened her ligaments to increase her range of motion.

Gianna’s recovery included three days of physical therapy a week to relearn how to walk with her corrected feet, as well as wearing corrective braces during the day and a special brace at night until she was four years old. Everything went smoothly.

“Dr. Hyman and his staff were simply amazing — a true Godsend. I truly believe that Gianna wouldn’t be where she is today without them,” said Denise.

Denise stresses the importance of early intervention when offering advice to parents in similar situations. “Be prepared to start treatment early when a problem arises. Having a plan in place not only gave us peace of mind, but also saved precious time. Now we are cheering Gianna on during her softball games and watching her twirl across the stage — thanks to Dr. Hyman.”