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Learn More About Diagnosis of Club Foot

Club Foot is a deformity from Births that can affect a single foot or both. The affected foot often is turned inward and it appears that the foot and ankle are at the same level. Ankle Joints are affected. When untreated, it can appear that the affected person is actually walking on their ankles.

Club Foot is also referred to as congenital talipes equinovarus or CTEV. It is divided into two categories: Postural and Structural.

It is considered a common occurrence and can be seen in 1 out of every 1,000 Births. It is the most common congenital condition that affects the legs.  Half the time, a single extremity is affected and half the time both feet are affected.

Males are more affected, almost a 2 to 1 ratio.

Deformities can be seen in 3 different joints:

1.)  Inversion at the Subtalar Joint

2.)  Adduction at Talonavicular joint

3.) Talipes Equinus at the Ankle joint

Causes of this condition often are divided according to Postural or Structural.

Overall causes include genetic conditions like Edward Syndrome, a defect in Chromosome 18. Also Growth arrests and Compartment syndrome can also be causative.

Breech presentation is a large cause of Club Foot.

Other causes are less known, such as connective tissue disorders and possible risks in spina bifida.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is often a debatable concept. Because often the cause is unknown prior to delivery or visual confirmation through ultrasound. Many children may not be diagnosed until after birth. When ultrasound is done at 20 weeks, not all cases will be seen.

Treatment of club foot is often difficult but most children respond well.

Surgery is one of the final options. Prior to that casting of the feet, serial casting, splints, braces or some combination are often seen.

Manipulation of the foot is often seen after two weeks from birth followed by a serial cast.

Serial Cast – when a new cast is placed every week slowly returning foot to normal position.

Even with successful treatment, the affected foot, may be smaller than the other foot. The calf muscle may be less defined.