From Tears to Triumph: UBC Orthopaedics and Global Clubfoot Care

One such story comes from Bangladesh, where a young girl named Kiran Krisha Roy was born in a small clinic in Thakurgaon. Her family was filled with joy, until they noticed her tiny right foot was turned sharply inward. Kiran had congenital clubfoot, a condition that affects approximately 200,000 children globally each year. Without early treatment, clubfoot can lead to lifelong disability, limited mobility, and social stigma.

In communities like Kiran’s, where access to specialized care is limited and cultural misconceptions persist, families often face confusion, fear, and misinformation. For Kiran’s parents, the diagnosis was met with uncertainty and concern—but it also marked the beginning of a journey that would connect them to life-changing care and global expertise.

Her story reflects the challenges faced by many families in low-resource settings—and the importance of global collaboration in ensuring that every child has the chance to walk, run, and thrive.

Kiran began treatment at just four weeks old. Over the course of several weeks, her foot was gently corrected using plaster casts. A minor procedure followed, and then came the bracing phase—wearing a foot abduction brace (SFAB) for up to 23 hours a day.

The treatment was demanding—especially during the early months when Kiran cried through the night and the brace seemed unbearable. At times, her father questioned whether it was worth the discomfort, wondering if skipping a day would really matter. But her mother stood firm, following the doctor’s instructions without compromise.

Looking back, her father now understands how critical that consistency was. Their perseverance, even in the face of social pressure and sleepless nights, made all the difference.

Today, Kiran is six years old. She walks, runs, and dances freely. Her story is a testament to what’s possible when global expertise meets local dedication.

“Now I feel that I have been able to heal my princess by ignoring all the social/religious obstacles. As a result, today I can say that I am the father of a real princess!!”

— Hari Kishore Roy (Kishore), Kiran’s father

UBC Orthopaedics is proud to support efforts like these—where knowledge, compassion, and collaboration come together to restore mobility and dignity to children around the world.

Our commitment to advancing musculoskeletal care extends far beyond our borders. Through global partnerships and knowledge exchange, we support initiatives that bring life-changing treatment to children born with clubfoot—especially in regions where access to care is limited.