Clubfoot

Signs and Symptoms

Clubfoot, which affects one in every 1,000 newborns and is one of the most common birth defects, involves the inward twisting of the heel and toes. The foot may look as if the top is on the bottom. Although the clubfoot, calf and leg are smaller and shorter than normal, the condition isn't painful and it is correctable. Left untreated, however, clubfoot results in disability.

Diagnosis

Clubfoot is readily identifiable at birth, making it easy to diagnose. You know immediately if your newborn has clubfoot.

Treatment

Soon after birth, the baby's foot is put into a cast. The cast is changed every one to two weeks for six to 12 weeks, at which point an X-ray is taken. If the bones are moving in the correct position, casting may be continued. If not, surgery is needed.

Surgery is usually performed between the ages of 8 months and 1 year. The doctor makes an incision on the inner side of the foot and repositions the bones. Pins are inserted through the bones to hold them in place until the foot heals. A long-leg, bent-knee cast is put on to protect the foot and hold it in position. The usual hospital stay is three to five days. The first cast may be changed 10 days after surgery.