ClubfootI. Definition
Clubfoot is a condition in which one or both feet are twisted into an abnormalposition at birth. The condition is also known as talipes.It is a general term used to describe a range of unusual positions of the foot. This ispresent at birth and affects the foot and/or ankle. There is no known cause for clubfoot,and it is twice as common in male children as it is in female children. Most type of clubfoot is present at birth which can happen in one foot or in both feet. In almost half of affected infants, both feet are involved.Although clubfoot is painless in a baby, treatmentshould begin immediately. Clubfoot can cause significantly problems as the child grows,but with early treatment most children born with clubfoot are able to lead a normal life
II. A.K.A
Giles Smith syndrome,
Talipes equinovarus; Talipes
III. Incidences
The frequency of congenital clubfoot is approximately 1 per 1,240 live births. Inchildren there is a subtle imbalance in muscle forces in the lower leg resulting in the footdeformity. Often, the foot is ‘kidney- shaped”. About 50% of the time, both feet areaffected with clubfoot. In USA, there are 1-2 cases for every 1000 live births. The ratioof males to females with clubfoot is 2.5 to 1.
IV. Risk/ Predisposing Factors
Risk factors may include:
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Family history of clubfoot.
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Position of the baby in the uterus.
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Increased occurrences in those children with neuromuscular disorders, such ascerebral palsy (CP) and spina bifida.
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Oligohydramnios (decreased amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus inthe uterus) during pregnancy.
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