Clubfoot

Clubfoot affects about one in every 1000 children born. About half of these children have one foot involved, and half have both feet affected. The cause of the condition has been carefully studied, but not determined for certain. What we do know is that there are genetic factors (more important) and environmental factors (less important). There is a tendency for the clubfoot condition to run in families, with boys being affected twice as commonly as girls.

Clubfoot presents at birth. The foot is curved inward (varus), down (equinus), and has a "C" or bean shape (metatarsus adductus). If not treated, the deformity will persist, and the child will eventually walk on the side or top of the foot. Early treatment consists of casting to correct the deformity. In the first month or two this is usually done weekly, followed by every other week as the rapid growth of an infant decelerates. In mild cases, casting may completely correct the deformity. When persistent deformity is not corrected by the manipulation and casting, surgery is usually required. Many different types of surgery for clubfoot have been done and are still being done.

Symptoms? Cause? Diagnosis? Treatment?

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