What is Clubfoot?
Clubfoot is the most common musculoskeletal birth defect.
It’s a condition where the babies foot is twisted in an abnormal shape and position.
This happens due to short ligaments and muscles in the foot.The foot is excessively turned inwards.It’s also known as talipes equino varus.
What Causes it?
May be positional.It is more common than the congenital type .Can be corrected with gentle dorsiflexion.Your doctor will show you the manoeuvres.
Can there be other problems?
It’s a birth defect of unknown etiology
May be isolated.
Or Associated with spina bifida , cerebral palsy,Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.
Meningomyelocele
What risk factors can Mother have?
- Oligohydramnios
- Teratogenic agents
- Uterus constriction rings
How common is it?
It’s more common in males.
50%cases may be bilateral.
Almost 1.2 babies in every 1000 may be affected.
50%cases may be bilateral.
Almost 1.2 babies in every 1000 may be affected.
How to make the child have a better life?
The best practices nowadays involve the ponseti method.
This involves:
*Series of manipulation
*Series of casting
*Percutaneous Achilles tenotomy
*Bracing.
These if done properly can help 98% of babies with club foot.
The Casting has the most obvious visible effect on the deformity.
But bracing has to be done long-term by parents at home at night.
Needs patience and parents motivation and sincerity.
Lack of adequate bracing can cause high relapse rate due to inadequate bracing.
Bracing lasts for 4 to 5 years.Has to be done every night.Properly done bracing for the right amount of time is most crucial for long-term success.
What problems occur, if not corrected ?
- Restricted mobility and difficulty walking.
- One and a half-size smaller shoe size.
- Poor self-imageArthritis.
- Poorly developed calf muscles
Birth defects if treated early can be corrected.A lot depends on motivation and dedication of parents.
I believe there’s always hope .No one knows all the answers .
What do you think ?
Comment below to let me know.