Clubfoot
What is clubfoot?
Clubfoot is a deformity of the foot present at birth that impacts one or both feet. A child with clubfoot has an abnormally positioned foot that causes the child to turn their ankle inward and downward, to the point where it almost touches the inside of the leg.
What are the types of clubfoot?
There are three different types of clubfoot:
- Idiopathic: the most common type of clubfoot, in which the cause is unknown. It’s the most easily corrected type of clubfoot.
- Syndromic: usually associated with a non-neurological condition such as dwarfism and is difficult to treat due to underlying health conditions.
- Neurogenic: usually a result of a spinal cord abnormality such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy or other neurologic disorder. It can be more difficult to treat because of these underlying conditions.
Who gets clubfoot?
Clubfoot is the most common deformity of the leg and is often present at birth. About half of children with the condition have bilateral clubfoot, meaning both feet are impacted.
At this time, there is no known cause for clubfoot, but it is genetic, though it can happen when there is no family history.
How is clubfoot treated?
Clubfoot can often be detected by ultrasound during pregnancy and is immediately noticeable at birth. Most cases of clubfoot can be corrected, often without surgery. However, this is not a condition a child will outgrow, and becomes worse if left untreated.
Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available including:
- Progressive casting also known as the Ponseti Method
- Tendon lengthening
- Bracing
- Stretching
Dependable Orthopaedic Surgeons
Whether concerned about clubfoot or are in search of other orthopaedic services, schedule an appointment with one of our orthopaedic specialists at one of our seven convenient locations throughout the Triangle.