Clubfoot is among the most common birth abnormalities
Q: I am 24 weeks pregnant and underwent an ultrasound that discovered that my child has a clubfoot. I am worried about my child’s life and function with this diagnosis. What is the condition, and are there any new treatment advances that my baby can benefit from? A:
Congratulations on having a baby. It is certainly an exciting time, but it can be stressful when you hear that your child has something that might make him or her different.
Clubfoot is a common diagnosis that occurs in 1 in 1,000 births, making it among the most common birth abnormalities. The biggest fear for parents is that the quality of life for their child born with a clubfoot will be limited. They worry if their child will be able to run, jump and play like their peers.
With the correct treatment, your child could have normal quality of life.
Children who are born with a clubfoot may have other family members who also were born with one. Mostly, these children only have a clubfoot, and no other problems with their bones, joints or muscles. However, there are a few genetic syndromes that also have clubfoot associated with them, such as arthrogryposis and spina bifida.
While clubfoot can affect both feet, it is more common on one side of the body. Having clubfoot may cause your child’s foot to be slightly less flexible — and a different shoe size than the unaffected foot — but over time, your child should be able to walk normally with appropriate care. Surgical and nonsurgical options are available. As your child grows, a gait analysis may be performed to assess future surgical needs to maximize function.
Left untreated, clubfoot causes more serious problems, including arthritis and other orthopedic issues related to an awkward gait.
The primary method used to correct clubfeet in children is known as the Ponseti method. This is a series of long-legged casts that are changed weekly. Seek out an orthopedic specialist knowledgeable in this condition, as well as a cast technician skilled at placing and removing casts weekly, to get the correction required. At the end of the casting, many children must undergo a small surgery at the heel to release the tightness at the Achilles tendon.
After the casting and Achilles tendon surgery is complete, a foot brace is worn full time for three months followed by part-time wear until the child reaches age 3. Close collaboration with prosthetic and orthotic experts ensures the braces are comfortable.
Looking ahead, your child should be able to have a normal quality of life and range of motion. Finding a provider and expert you are comfortable with to provide careful casting and pain-free surgery will be important. Also, being committed to treatment and being diligent with follow-up should mean your child with clubfoot will be able to run, jump and play just like his or her peers.