Clubfoot

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing clubfoot 
Clubfoot

Clubfoot 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 relatively 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 will hinder your child's development once it's time for your child to walk, so treating clubfoot soon after birth is generally recommended.

Treatment is usually successful, and the appearance and function of your child's foot should show improvement.

References
  1. Clubfoot. American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00255. Accessed Sept. 22, 2010.
  2. Clubfoot and other foot defects. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1211.asp. Accessed Sept. 22, 2010.
  3. Dobbs MB, et al. Update on clubfoot: Etiology and treatment. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2009;467:1146.
  4. Beaty JH. Congenital anomalies of the lower extremity. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/219666053-3/1057375123/1584/187.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50029-5--cesec34_1029. Accessed Sept. 22, 2010.
  5. Hoecker J (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 27, 2010.
DS00814 Nov. 6, 2010

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