Clubfoot

Clubfoot, also known as talipes equinovarus, is a congenital (present at birth) foot deformity describing a foot that is twisted inward and downward. It affects the bones, muscles, tendons, and blood vessels and can affect one or both feet. Along with a deformed foot, the leg on the affected side may be shorter, the calf thinner, and the foot smaller. One in 1,000 children, a higher percentage in boys, is affected by clubfoot. Siblings of affected children have a slightly increased chance of the occurrence.

Clubfoot can also occur as part of neurologic and muscle diseases, including myelodysplasia and arthrogryposis. It can be associated with hip dysplasia and torticollis.

Treatment:
    • Requires early correction and maintenance of correction throughout the child’s growth. 
    • Involves casting, bracing, and/or surgery.
    • Accounts for 80% of foot surgeries at SHC-LA.

Casting:
    • The deformity may be corrected with several weeks of serial casting. 
    • Surgical correction is maintained with 6-12 weeks of casting while the foot is healing.

Orthotics (Braces):
    • Stretch soft tissues prior to their surgical release.
    • Maintain the corrected foot post-operatively after removal of a cast.
    • Aid in comfort walking with a residual deformity.
    • Provide an alternative to serial casting in the dynamic ankle-foot orthosis which is being developed at SHC-LA.

Surgery:
    • Multiple surgeries may be needed to improve foot position. Rigid clubfeet often require release of tight soft tissues and may require surgical realignment of bones, both of which are usually performed during infancy. Persistent cases may require more surgical correction in later childhood and adolescence.

Our goal is to help children reach their maximum potential. If you would like to receive an application for admission to Shriners Hospitals for Children – Los Angeles, please call us toll-free at (888) 486-5437.