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Clubfoot
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(Inwardly inverted foot, like a golf club)
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This is an inversion of the foot
of variable severity. It is relatively common, occurring in approximately 1 in 500
fetuses. In most cases it is an orthopedic problem that does not involve other organs.
In cases in which this is the sole finding, the infant is treated immediately after
birth using plaster casts that are changed frequently with the aim of straightening
out the foot into its normal position. In the great majority of cases, this is successful,
but sometimes it is not, and these cases will require orthopedic correction. The
milder the degree of clubfoot, the less effort is required for successful treatment.
It is important to note that in these cases, a number of conditions must be ruled
out:
- Neurological deficit - the child should be examined for whether movements of the
lower limbs, feet and toes are normal.
- Presence of defects in other organs.
- It may be worth performing
amniocentesis for chromosome analysis. This also applies if biochemical screening and nuchal translucency results do not indicate
a high risk.
There may be a history in one of the parents of the simple (orthopedic) form of
the disorder that is not associated with other problems.
Sometimes the foot appears to be inverted because of intrauterine pressure rather
than being a full-blown clubfoot. This is common in cases of oligohydramnios (too little amniotic fluid) or multiple
gestation (twins or higher).
Further information is available within
genetic counseling or multidisciplinary counseling with a pediatric orthopedist
and an ultrasound expert.
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