Orthopaedics and Spinal

The Orthopaedics and Spinal Surgery Unit is one of the world’s largest spinal centres.  Our world-leading consultant spinal surgeons and their dedicated team of clinical nurse specialists, anaesthetists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists all help to ensure that each child receives the right treatment at the right time.

Spinal surgery patients at Great Ormond Street Hospital have access to a multidisciplinary team composed of different healthcare professionals with specialised skills and expertise. The team works together to develop individual treatment plans specific to each patient.

Many patients with spinal conditions require the expert care of different clinical teams. The spinal team works closely with specialists in a range of departments including Cardiology, Respiratory, Rheumatology and Neurology. 

Outcomes

The Ponseti technique is used at GOSH to correct clubfoot (Congenital Talipes Equinvarus - CTEV) deformity in children enabling the child’s foot to bear weight in a normal way and develop normally over time.

The technique has become the preferred treatment option for CTEV because it is more effective than alternative surgical methods and has been associated with significantly better long-term results for the majority of patients.

The Ponseti treatment involves a manipulation and casting technique which is performed on a weekly basis until the foot has corrected fully. Most children require a minor operation in the outpatient clinic under local anaesthetic to release the Achilles tendon and allow full correction to be achieved. This is called an Achilles tendon release. Children are then fitted with splints (called ‘boots and bars’) to keep the corrected foot in place. 

• The Ponseti Service at GOSH was established in 2005 and over the last 12 years has accepted on average 15 new CTEV patients per year. 

• 178 CTEV patients have been treated by the GOSH Ponseti Service since 2005. 166 patients have continued to be treated successfully using the Ponseti technique and have not required corrective clubfoot surgical treatment. This represents a 93 per cent overall success rate for the Ponseti Service at GOSH and is comparable with the global gold standard for the technique.