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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffClubfoot describes a range of foot abnormalities usually present at birth (congenital) in which your baby's foot is twisted out of shape or position. The term "clubfoot" refers to the way the foot is positioned at a sharp angle to the ankle, like the head of a golf club. Clubfoot is a common birth defect and is usually an isolated problem for an otherwise healthy newborn.
Clubfoot can be mild or severe, affecting one or both feet. Clubfoot won't hinder your child's development drastically until it's time for your child to walk. At that stage, the awkward positioning of the foot may force your child to walk on the outside edge of his or her feet.
Treatment is usually successful, and the appearance and function of your child's foot should show improvement.
Symptoms- Clubfoot. American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00255. Accessed July 21, 2008.
- Chen RC, et al. A new dynamic foot abduction orthosis for clubfoot treatment. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics. 2007;27(5):522-528.
- Edmondson MC, et al. Long-term follow-up of the surgically corrected clubfoot. Journal of Pediatric Orthpaedics. 2007;16(3):204-208.
- Macnicol, MF, et al. Changing concepts in the management of congenital talipes equinovarus. Paediatrics and Child Health. 2008;18(6):272-277.
- Siapkara A, et al. Congenital talipes equinovarus: A review of current management. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 2007;89(8):995-1000.
- Sud A, et al. Ponseti's vs. Kite's method in the treatment of clubfoot - A prospective randomized study. International Orthopaedics. 2008;32(3):409-413.
- Hoecker J (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. August 7, 2008.
