Clubfoot

What are the signs and symptoms of Clubfoot?

Clubfoot is the most common congenital birth defect, affecting an estimated one in every 1,000 newborns. Babies born with clubfoot may have it in one or both feet.

Common signs of clubfoot include:

• Top of the foot turns inward and downward (foot can appear upside down if turn is severe).
• Calf muscles don’t fully develop above the affected ankle.
• Affected foot is shorter.

How is Clubfoot diagnosed?

Often, a physical exam by an expert is all your baby needs to confirm clubfoot. Many cases are even detected before birth, during a prenatal ultrasound. We confirm the diagnosis when the baby is born. In some cases, we may order an imaging scan to rule out other conditions.

Our diagnostic tools include:

• Physical exam: Looks at your child’s affected foot or feet, checking for abnormal rotation
• X-ray: Uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to take detailed images of the foot and ankle bones

How is Clubfoot treated?

When babies’ feet develop abnormally, we use advanced, effective treatments to reshape them. Our skilled orthopedic physicians use a nonsurgical technique called the Ponseti method that involves stretching, casting and bracing.

When conservative treatment doesn’t work, your child may need surgery to stretch and lengthen the affected tendons. Our surgeons have extensive experience treating clubfoot in infants and young children.

Treatments include:

• Ponseti method: With this minimally invasive technique, your child’s physician places the foot in its proper position and recasts it each week over one to two months so it will heal correctly. Your doctor may also perform a small procedure to lengthen the Achilles tendon. Over time, your baby’s tendons will stretch and lengthen, supporting healthy bone and muscle development. To ensure a successful outcome, children usually wear a brace for a few years following the procedure.
• Surgery: Sometimes, serious cases of clubfoot require surgery to realign the foot. Older children with clubfoot need more complex surgeries to repair the condition. We provide advanced, effective surgical options to treat clubfoot.