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Clubfoot

What is it?

Clubfoot is an inward (varus) and downward (equinus) deformity of the foot that is usually present at birth. It can present with varying degrees of stiffness, and the most common form is congenital (at birth, with no apparent cause), though it can be associated with other malformations or neurological problems.

Treatments

The Ponseti method is the most effective initial form of treatment and is always the first choice. Through this procedure, the baby’s foot is progressively repositioned by placing a plaster cast at each visit to keep it in the new position. Once the desired correction is achieved, the lengthening of the Achilles tendon is performed (called the percutaneous tenotomy of the Achilles tendon), after which a cast is placed for a further 3 weeks, followed by a brace—an immobilisation device which must be worn at night for approximately 4 years to prevent the clubfoot recurring.

Clubfoot at birth.                                                                                    Inadequately treated at gait age.