How is clubfoot diagnosed

How is clubfoot diagnosed? How is clubfoot treated? Ponseti method The Ponseti method is the most common and effective clubfoot treatment. A new cast will hold the foot in its new position. Typically, it takes five to eight readjustments and cast changes to move the foot into a correct position.

When the foot is in its improved outward position, most children need minor surgery tenotomy to lengthen their Achilles tendon. This is the cord that attaches the calf muscle to the heel. About 95 percent of babies need this surgery, which is usually performed under local anesthesia. From the end of the treatment stage until your child is 3 to 6 months old, they will wear the brace about 22 hours a day. When your baby is ready to learn how to crawl, and then walk, run, and play, they can do so with the brace off.

You will need to follow the bracing program strictly until your child is 4 years old. What is the long-term outlook for babies with clubfoot? The commitment and compassion with which we care for all children and families is matched only by the pioneering spirit of discovery and innovation that drives us to think differently, to find answers, and to build a better tomorrow for children everywhere.

Contact Us Refer a Patient. Club foot deformity can usually be identified on prenatal ultrasound exam. Some subtle cases may be missed on ultrasound but are easily diagnosed after birth.

Once the condition has been detected, a targeted ultrasound will be performed to rule out the presence of associated anomalies. Amniocentesis maybe recommended to determine chromosomal abnormalities if club foot is not an isolated finding. Early detection allows an opportunity for the treating physician to counsel patients about TEV and treatment modalities.

Treatment success depends in part on parental education regarding the treatment process and common causes of recurrence. Since institution of early treatment is important, parents who are well versed with the diagnosis and treatment modalities make a smooth transition from delivery to start of therapy. Most clubfoot deformities can be treated successfully with casting initiated during the first few weeks of life.

The casting is performed weekly and allows gradual correction of the deformity. Most patients require a small surgery at the end of casting to release the Achilles tendon and allow completion of the deformity correction. These may include:.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis Most commonly, a doctor recognizes clubfoot soon after birth just from looking at the shape and positioning of the newborn's foot. More Information Ultrasound X-ray.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Clubfoot. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Accessed Feb. VanPraag VM, et al. Casting is effective for recurrence following Ponseti treatment of clubfoot. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume. Ganesan B, et al.

Ponseti method in the management of clubfoot under 2 years of age: A systematic review. PLOS One.