Congenital Talipes Equino Varus, more commonly known as clubfoot, is a complex deformity affecting both soft and bony structures of the midfoot and hindfoot. Most cases occur without cause while others could be part of a syndrome like Larsen syndrome (for instance).

This condition occurs when the tendons that attach muscles to bones are shorter than usual and cause the foot to twist inward, often as a result of muscle imbalance. It is very prevalent and can often be corrected using Ponseti’s Method of casting.

Evaluation

Congenital talipes equinovarus is an increasingly prevalent condition and requires careful evaluation from an interprofessional team. This educational activity explores the patho-anatomy and clinical ramifications of this deformity within an interprofessional team approach to care, with treatment designed to restore normal functional anatomy and structural form of the foot. Evaluation of this condition can be completed using six clinical signs that focus on abnormalities of both feet, with three related to abnormalities of the hind foot (severity of posterior crease, empty heel and rigidity of equinus) and three related to mid foot abnormalities (medial crease, curvature of lateral border and position of lateral head of talus). Each clinical sign’s scores are calculated based on its severity.

Treatment

Club foot (known as congenital talipes equinovarus) is one of the most prevalent deformities among newborn infants, caused by improper positioning during gestation and can occur in both feet. Mild cases typically resolve themselves within the first year after birth while severe cases require treatment with Ponseti casting or additional procedures such as tendoachilles lengthening and Tibialis anterior transfer for severe cases. Once treated successfully, outcomes for treated clubfoot tend to be positive while untreated clubfoot may lead to difficulty walking or other disabilities that affect mobility or disability or disabilities such as difficulty walking or disabilities that would hinder walking ability or hinder development or even cause severe disability later on in life.