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What is Clubfoot?

• A Clubfoot is one of the most common congenital deformities of the foot.

• The exact cause of a Clubfoot is unknown. There are several different ideas as to the cause.

1) A halt of the development of the foot in the first trimester of pregnancy

2) Intrauterine compression

3) Neurological problems such as Spina Bifida.

• Pain is not usually associated with Clubfoot

Incidence:

• Occurs 1 in 1000 live births
• There is a 1 in 35 chance of a second child in the family having the same deformity.
• Twice as common in boys as in girls
• In 50% of cases, both right and left feet are affected
• If only one side is affected - the right side is affected slightly more than the left side.

Diagnosis:

Since a Clubfoot is such an obvious deformity, it is most frequently diagnosed on physical exam while the baby is still in the nursery.

Treatment:

• Early conservative treatment appears to produce the best results. These treatment options can include manual stretching of the foot and serial casting.

• Despite a conservative approach to treatment, usually surgical intervention is indicated. Surgery is recommended after serial casting has been performed but has not been successful.