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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffThe cause of clubfoot isn't known (idiopathic). But scientists do know that clubfoot isn't caused by the position of the fetus in the uterus. In some cases, clubfoot can be associated with other congenital abnormalities of the skeleton, such as spina bifida, a serious birth defect that occurs when the tissue surrounding the developing spinal cord of a fetus doesn't close properly.
Environmental factors play a role in causing clubfoot. Studies have strongly linked clubfoot to cigarette smoking during pregnancy, especially when a family history of clubfoot is already present.
- Clubfoot. American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00255. Accessed Sept. 22, 2010.
- Clubfoot and other foot defects. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1211.asp. Accessed Sept. 22, 2010.
- Dobbs MB, et al. Update on clubfoot: Etiology and treatment. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2009;467:1146.
- 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.
- Hoecker J (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 27, 2010.
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