There are several ways that the bars can either break or come apart, or otherwise need some attention or new parts to become whole again. This is not common, and the bars are not known to break easily, but because nothing is perfect, sometimes things go awry. The following are some more common issues and some ideas for solving them.
1 - The Ponseti Bar has come apart in the center:
The that the set screws in the black clamp in the center of the bar that says Ponseti have come loose. To put the bar back together, loosen the two set screws and slide the ends into the clamp one on top of the other. Lay the brace on the floor with the shoes attached and slide it almost apart, then lay baby down inside the brace with their shoulders at the heels and slide the two bars back closer together until the heels of the shoes touch baby's shoulders (put their arms down to their sides).
You can use Loctite Blue 242 on the screws and that will hold them in place. Make sure to get the 242 BLUE, not the Red. The red is permanent. The blue can be broken free.
2 - The plastic quick connect on the Ponseti or Dobbs bar has broken off (or any other plastic part has broken):
When this happens, the only solution is to get a hardware kit from MD Orthopaedics and replace the plastic parts that have broken. At the time of this writing the kit is $14.50 USD and can be ordered here: Mitchell Shoes & Ponseti Bar Hardware Kit
This kit includes two circular heel plates, two quick connects, and one clamp for the middle of the bar. It also includes 4 countersunk screws and an Allen (hex) key tool.
3 - The screws have come out of the heel plate and the shoes just slip on the bar:
You can go to any hardware store and get a new screw. You're looking for a countersunk machine screw. Just ask someone to help you find the correct screw. Bring your whole brace to the hardware store and they will be able to match the correct screw for you. You can also order a hardware kit as shown above if you prefer. But the screw will only be a few cents and you'll be able to get it right away. Make sure to set the clubfoot side to 60° and the non-clubfoot side to 30° or 40°.
