Clubfoot pes equinovarus is usually a congenital disorder. Symptoms of clubfoot are usually high in the place called the foot beam, the heel of the foot is turned inward, and the person's ankle has a downward appearance are among the symptoms of clubfoot. The treatment of clubfoot is a process that starts from the birth of the child. Clubfoot is a condition that can be treated.
What is clubfoot disease?
Clubfoot is either pes equino varus or a congenital foot deformity. It can be seen unilaterally or both feet together. The foot is turned inward and upward at the ankle, with this posture, it has an appearance resembling a golf club. This deformity, which is seen at a rate of 1 in every 1000 births, is more common in males. The incidence increases in members of the same family. The incidence of developmental hip dysplasia increases in patients with clubfoot deformity. If the disease is not recognized and the treatment fails, it will not be possible for the patient to have a normal or near-normal foot.
How is clubfoot diagnosed?
It can be diagnosed with detailed ultrasound at 16th and 20th weeks in the womb. It is possible to diagnose at birth at the latest. It can be diagnosed by physical examination.
What is the cause of clubfoot?
Although many theories have been put forward about the causes of clubfoot, the currently accepted cause is genetic abnormalities in the structure of the ligaments that form the foot and ankle.
How is clubfoot treated?
Treatment of clubfoot begins when the child is born. The gold standard in treatment is foot manipulation and serial plastering with the Ponseti method. The deformity is corrected step by step with casts reaching from the patient's toes to the knee. The cavus (increase in the arch of the sole) increase and varus (inward turning of the foot) are corrected with casts until the deformity is corrected for an average of 5-6 weeks, and the final correction is made for the equinus (heel height) component. Percutaneous achiletomy is performed in most patients and the patient is followed for 3 weeks with a long leg cast immediately afterwards. After the cast is removed, the foot is positioned with an orthopedic boot and a metal bar between the two feet and followed for 3 months. Afterwards, the patient will be checked by the doctor using special shoes until school age.
What are the important points of clubfoot treatment?
First of all, clubfoot should be diagnosed at the latest at birth. Treatment should be started without delay after the diagnosis is made because the foot and ankle of the newborn baby are soft and elastic, they lose their softness and elasticity over time and it will not be possible to correct the deformity with manual manipulation and plaster.
The patient's relatives should come to the doctor's office every week from the beginning of the treatment for serial plastering on time.
If for any reason the cast loosens or comes off, a new cast should be applied without delay.
The orthopaedic boot and intermediate brace should be used as and for as long as prescribed by your doctor.
Pes equinovarus may recur.
One of the most important complications of treatment is recurrence of foot deformity. In children who are found to have recurrence before the age of 2 years, the steps applied at the beginning of the treatment should be applied again completely. As the age progresses, the ankle will lose its flexibility and treatment options up to surgical intervention will come to the agenda. From the beginning to the end, families should complete the treatment in cooperation and harmony with their doctors. Patients can obtain a normal foot at the end of treatment and continue their sports and daily lives.