Club Foot
Brie Howe 2nd hour
Description of the Defect
Clubfoot is a condition in which one or both feet are twisted into an abnormal position at birth. True clubfoot is characterized by abnormal bone formation in the foot. There are four variations of clubfoot: talipes varus, talipes valgus, talipes equines, and talipes calcaneus.
Causes & Complications
Experts haven't yet decided on the cause of Club Foot. Obstetricians believe that intrauterine crowding is the cause. Exposure to the drug misoprostol, has also been linked with Club Foot. Mothers who smoke during pregnancy have a better chance of having a baby with Club Foot than mothers who don't.
Testing & Treatment
The goal of treatment for club foot is to correct the position of the foot, so that the bones grow normally. A physical exam is given to the baby to check for Club Foot. Doctors take a non-surgical approach whenever possible. Non-surgical procedures include serial manipulation and casting, taping, physical therapy and splinting, and continuous passive motion with a machine. The Surgical treatment requires release of soft tissue and joint contractures, tendon lengthening, and temporary pin fixation of joints in the foot.
Life Outlook
Most infants with clubfoot can be corrected. Some infants may require surgery to help correct the position of the foot. Additional surgeries may be necessary since the deformity may come back as the child grows and develops.
Works Cited
"Children's Clubfoot: Treatment with Casting or Operation?-OrthoInfo - AAOS." N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.
"Children's Health." Clubfoot. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.
"Clubfoot." Clubfoot. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.