Club-foot

Club-foot
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Synonyms	Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV)
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Foot turned inward and downward
Complications	Difficulty walking, arthritis
Onset	At birth
Duration	Long-term
Types	Unilateral, bilateral
Causes	Combination of genetic and environmental factors
Risks	N/A
Diagnosis	Physical examination, Ultrasound
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Stretching, casting, surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	1 in 1,000 births
Deaths

Club-foot, or congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), is a congenital deformity in which an affected infant's foot appears rotated internally at the ankle. The foot points downward and inward, increasing the arch and turning the heel inward. Club-foot is one of the most common congenital deformities of the lower limb. It can affect one or both feet.

Causes

The exact cause of club-foot is not well understood but is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The condition may be associated with other congenital conditions such as spina bifida.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The primary symptom of club-foot is the abnormal positioning of the foot. Diagnosis is typically made shortly after birth by a physical examination. An ultrasound may be used during pregnancy to diagnose the condition prenatally.

Treatment

The treatment of club-foot generally starts soon after birth. The most common method is the Ponseti method, which involves gentle stretching followed by casting of the feet. This method is often successful, especially when started early. In some cases, surgery may be required to correct the position of the foot.

Prognosis

With early and appropriate treatment, most children are able to walk normally and participate in a variety of activities. However, some may continue to have difficulties and may require additional surgeries later in life.

Epidemiology

Club-foot occurs in about 1 in 1,000 live births worldwide and is more common in males than in females.