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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

Most commonly, a doctor recognizes clubfoot soon after birth just from looking at the shape and positioning of the newborn's feet. Occasionally, the doctor may request X-rays to fully understand how severe the clubfoot is, but usually X-rays are not necessary.

It's possible to clearly see some cases of clubfoot before birth during a baby's ultrasound examination. If clubfoot affects both feet, it's more likely to be seen in an ultrasound. While nothing can be done before birth to solve the problem, knowing about the condition may give you time to learn more about clubfoot and get in touch with appropriate health experts, such as a genetic counselor or an orthopedic surgeon.

Treatments and drugs Preparing for your appointment
References
  1. AskMayoExpert. Can clubfoot be diagnosed in utero? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
  2. AskMayoExpert. Is further surgical intervention needed for congenital clubfoot? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
  3. AskMayoExpert. Are other medical conditions associated with congenital clubfoot? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
  4. AskMayoExpert. Why should a patient be referred to a pediatric orthopedic surgeon for the treatment of congenital clubfoot? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
  5. AskMayoExpert. What is the usual treatment for congenital clubfoot? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
  6. AskMayoExpert. Clubfoot: Key facts. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
  7. Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1608/0.html. Accessed Feb. 6, 2013.
  8. Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-4/0/1584/0.html. Accessed Feb. 5, 2013.
  9. Bridgens J, et al. Current management of clubfoot (congenital talipes equinovarus). BMJ. 2010;340:c355.
  10. Birth defects. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/baby/birthdefects_clubfoot.html#. Accessed Feb. 6, 2013.
  11. Dobbs MB, et al. Update on clubfoot: Etiology and treatment. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 2009;467:1146.
DS00814 March 22, 2013

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