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Clubfoot |
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| (Inwardly inverted foot, like a golf club) |
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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