Clubfoot, also known as talipes, is a congenital (present at birth) disorder of unknown cause and is the most common deformity of the lower limb. It affects the foot and ankle, causing the foot to be twisted inward at a sharp angle, like the head of a golf club (image). Clubfoot has a frequency of about 1 out of every 1,000 births, and is twice as likely to occur in a male child as in a female child. In 50 percent of cases, both feet are affected.

Figure 8.21 Clubfoot Clubfoot is a common deformity of the ankle and foot that is present at birth. Most cases are corrected without surgery, and affected individuals will grow up to lead normal, active lives. (credit: James W. Hanson)

At birth, children with a clubfoot have the heel turned inward and the anterior foot twisted so that the lateral side of the foot is facing inferiorly, commonly due to ligaments or leg muscles attached to the foot that are shortened or abnormally tight. These pull the foot into an abnormal position, resulting in bone deformities. Other symptoms may include bending of the ankle that lifts the heel of the foot and an extremely high foot arch. Due to the limited range of motion in the affected foot, it is difficult to place the foot into the correct position. Additionally, the affected foot may be shorter than normal, and the calf muscles are usually underdeveloped on the affected side. Despite the appearance, this is not a painful condition for newborns. However, it must be treated early to avoid future pain and impaired walking ability.

Although the cause of clubfoot is idiopathic (unknown), evidence indicates that fetal position within the uterus is not a contributing factor. Genetic factors are involved, because clubfoot tends to run within families. Cigarette smoking during pregnancy has been linked to the development of clubfoot, particularly in families with a history of clubfoot.

Previously, clubfoot required extensive surgery. Today, 90 percent of cases are successfully treated without surgery using new corrective casting techniques. The best chance for a full recovery requires that clubfoot treatment begin during the first 2 weeks after birth. Corrective casting gently stretches the foot, which is followed by the application of a holding cast to keep the foot in the proper position. This stretching and casting is repeated weekly for several weeks. In severe cases, surgery may also be required, after which the foot typically remains in a cast for 6 to 8 weeks. After the cast is removed following either surgical or nonsurgical treatment, the child will be required to wear a brace part-time (at night) for up to 4 years. In addition, special exercises will be prescribed, and the child must also wear special shoes. Close monitoring by the parents and adherence to postoperative instructions are imperative in minimizing the risk of relapse.

Despite these difficulties, treatment for clubfoot is usually successful, and the child will grow up to lead a normal, active life. Numerous examples of individuals born with a clubfoot who went on to successful careers include Dudley Moore (comedian and actor), Damon Wayans (comedian and actor), Troy Aikman (three-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback), Kristi Yamaguchi (Olympic gold medalist in figure skating), Mia Hamm (two-time Olympic gold medalist in soccer), and Charles Woodson (Heisman trophy and Super Bowl winner).

A deformed foot in which the foot is plantarflexed, inverted, and adducted.

Talipes equinovarus is a congenital (present from birth) condition where the foot turns inward and downward. The cause of this condition is not known, although it may be passed down through families in some cases. This condition occurs in about 1 out of every 1,000 births. Treatment may involve moving the foot into the correct position and using a cast to keep it there. This process is done in small increments over a period of time. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.

Clubfoot is a birth defect that usually happens when the tissues that connect muscles to bone in a baby’s leg and foot are shorter than normal. To learn what it’s like to live with this condition or how families are affected, read these real stories from people living with clubfoot.

Amanda's Story — In her own words

Amanda shares her own story about living with clubfoot and how she won’t let her medical conditions define her. Read her story below.

In early 1991, my mother underwent several rounds of in vitro fertilization (IVF), and I was born a twin in late October 1991. Although I was born premature, meaning that I was born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, no other problems were reported by the doctors.

A few days after I was born, my father noticed that my right foot was swollen and slightly discolored, an observation my doctor dismissed at my first checkup. A month later, my grandparents took me to the hospital because my foot had become even more swollen. The doctors used a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and found that I had a tumor on my spinal cord. The doctors thought this tumor is what led to my clubfoot, a birth defect of the foot. Clubfoot usually happens when the tissues that connect muscles to bone in a baby’s leg and foot are shorter than normal. This causes the foot to point downward and inward.

Fortunately, the tumor was not cancerous and I was treated with steroids to shrink the tumor. I remained at the hospital for one month for treatment and rest. Since then, I’ve had two surgeries on my foot and one surgery on my thigh. I had to wear a brace for several years to help correct the position of my foot.

My parents want to advise other parents to trust their instincts when it comes to their child’s health. They recommend that parents always reach out to a healthcare provider if they are worried that their child has a health problem, as well as get a second opinion on their child’s condition.

I have developed the attitude that I am not going to be defined by my clubfoot or any other medical condition. There are times when my clubfoot plays a big role in my ability to do something. For example, walking up stairs takes me longer than other people, and I likely won’t ever be able to run in a marathon. However, there are many things in my life that are not negatively affected by my clubfoot. I’ve had a very successful academic career and earned a Master’s degree in public health. I also enjoy kayaking, photography, and cooking. I encourage other people living with birth defects to accept their conditions, but don’t let it define who they are as a person.

Introduction

Clubfoot (talipes equinovarus) is a congenital deformity involving the foot, otherwise known as congenital talipes equinovarus. It is among the most common congenital deformities and appears with varying degrees and severity of predictable contractures manifesting with four main deformities:

• Midfoot cavus

• Forefoot adductus

• Heel/hindfoot varus

• Hindfoot equinus

Clubfoot demonstrates excellent success rates in correction and overall patient outcomes if recognized early and treated appropriately. Thus, its recognition and diagnosis early on in the infant's life facilitate an ideal outcome long-term.

Etiology

Although the exact etiology remains debated, the consensus favors multiple genetic and environmental risk factors that play varying levels of contributing roles in its clinical manifestations.

Environmental factors such as maternal smoking and maternal diabetes have the strongest association with clubfoot. Maternal alcohol consumption may also have an association. Seasonal variation has also been described, with a possible causative theory being variation in maternal temperature during embryonic development. In utero positioning has also been cited throughout the literature.

Genetics likely has a role to play, although a specific gene alteration remains unclear. Research shows that 24.4% of cases have an associated family history, though it has not identified a definite mode of inheritance. Studies of monozygotic twins have shown a concordance of 33% in comparison to 3% in dizygotic twins. In 20% of cases, clubfoot presents in association with at least one of the following conditions:

• Distal arthrogryposis

• Congenital myotonic dystrophy

• Myelomeningocele

• Amniotic band sequence

• Any other associated genetic syndrome

  • Trisomy 18

  • Chromosome 22q11 deletion syndrome

Approximately 7% of clubfoot cases will have another anomaly at birth, and 7.6% will have a neurodevelopmental condition of some degree.

Epidemiology

Clubfoot has a reported incidence of between 0.5 and 2 cases per 1000 births. Certain ethnicities, such as the Hawaiians and Maori, demonstrate a predilection for higher prevalence rates, with the latter population cited at up to 6.8 per 1000 births.

Males are twice as likely as females to be born with a clubfoot, and cases are bilateral in approximately 50% of cases. In unilateral cases, the right is most commonly affected.

Pathophysiology

In clubfoot, the deformity predominantly exists in the tarsal bones, which are often in a position of maximal flexion and adduction. Clubfoot presentations vary from mild, postural forms to severe, rigid deformity.

The talus is characteristically medially deviated and in plantarflexion, while the calcaneus is in varus and is rotated medially around the talus. The navicular and the cuboid are displaced medially.

Histopathology

Histologically clubfeet have evidence of abnormally dense collagen fibers in structures medially and posteriorly. This condition predominantly affects the Achilles tendon, tibialis posterior, the tibionavicular, and calcaneonavicular ligaments.

History and Physical

Clubfoot is often identifiable during routine intrauterine ultrasound of the fetus during the antenatal period. However, in countries without a prenatal ultrasound screening program, initial identification will usually occur at birth or during newborn screening.

During an examination of the foot, there are distinctive deformities associated with clubfoot. These include midfoot cavus, forefoot adductus, hindfoot varus as well as hindfoot equinus. These deformities may vary relative to the extent of deformity and their stiffness.

The above deformities are gradable to ascertain the severity of the clubfoot. Numerous scoring systems exist; however, the Pirani system is the most common system used, having demonstrated to be easily reproducible and reliable.

The Pirani system involves assessing six separate parameters in the foot. Each parameter is individually scored 0, 0.5, or 1 depending on severity. This ranking gives a minimum score per foot of 0, and a maximum of 6. Three parameters involve the hindfoot, and three involve the midfoot. The details are listed below:

Hindfoot

Posterior crease:

Correct equinus deformity and assess crease over the posterior aspect of Achilles tendon.

• 0 – multiple fine creases.

• 0.5 – Two or three moderate creases.

• 1 – Single deep crease.

Equinus:

Correct equinus as much as able with the knee in extension.

• 0 – Able to dorsiflex beyond plantigrade.

• 5 – Able to reach plantigrade.

• 1 – Unable to meet plantigrade.

Empty heel:

Palpate directly over calcaneum posteriorly.

• 0 – Calcaneum easily palpable beneath the skin.

• 5 – Layer of tissue felt between finger and calcaneum, but calcaneum palpable.

• 1 - Calcaneum not palpable.

Midfoot

Medial crease:

Correct cavus deformity by gently lifting the 2nd toe and assess medial plantar crease.

• 0 – multiple fine creases.

• 5 – Two or three moderate creases.

• 1 – Single deep crease.

Curved lateral border of the foot:

The examiner holds a pen or other straight object along the lateral border of the calcaneus.

• 0 – Lateral border is straight in line with the pen without deviation.

• 5 – Lateral border of the foot deviates from the pen at the level of metatarsals.

• 1 – Lateral border of the foot deviates from the pen at the level of the calcaneocuboid joint.

Lateral head of the talus:

Palpate head of the talus and passively correct the clubfoot deformity to feel if the:

• 0 – Lateral head of talus covered by navicular on passive correction of the deformity.

• 5 – Lateral head of talus partially covered on passive correction of the deformity.

• 1 -Lateral head of talus remains uncovered on the passive correction of the deformity.

A higher Pirani score at the beginning of treatment correlates with an increase in the number of casts required as well as an increased requirement for Achilles tenotomy. Therefore the scoring system can be used for counseling of the family, as well as for monitoring the progressive correction of the deformity.

In unilateral cases, the affected foot is often smaller than the contralateral side, and the calf may appear underdeveloped. In up to 80% of patients, clubfoot appears to be an isolated deformity, although in the other in 20% of cases, it may be seen in association with other conditions such as arthrogryposis or diastrophic dysplasia.

Clubfoot may be associated with specific syndromes and deformities; therefore, care is necessary to examine the baby comprehensively and appropriately. The clinician should direct particular attention to the back for evidence of spina bifida or myelomeningocele.

In syndromes affecting collagen such as arthrogryposis, a deformity may also be evident in other joints. For example, Larsen syndrome can present in association with clubfoot patients.

Hips should have appropriate screening for developmental dysplasia. Though there is no clear causative link yet found, research has identified a correlation. Patients with clubfoot are approximately 25 times more likely to have developmental dysplasia of the hip than those without dysplasia.

Evaluation

Clubfoot deformity is usually identified either on prenatal ultrasound or on clinical evaluation at birth. Radiographs of the foot are of little benefit during the immediate postnatal period, as many of the tarsal bones will not have started ossification.

In older children with either a delayed presentation or incomplete correction, weight-bearing radiographs may help assess the severity of the residual deformity. AP films may show parallelism of the talus and calcaneus, with a talocalcaneal angle of fewer than 20 degrees. An AP film may also identify a negative talus-first metatarsal angle with the apex-lateral malalignment.

In patients where an underlying syndromic condition is suspected, then a genetic investigation may be appropriate.

Treatment / Management

Ponseti technique for correcting clubfoot deformity was developed in the 1940s and remained the gold standard for treatment. This procedure involves two phases of treatment, the first being the serial casting of the foot, and the second is the maintenance of the correction. Casting should ideally begin in the first week or two following birth, but this technique can be used up to the age of 2 years. Casts are changed every 5 to 7 days, and typically 5 to 9 casts are required depending on the stiffness of the foot. This process allows sufficient time for soft tissue remodeling.

Plaster of Paris is typically the substance used for casting as it is relatively cheap and easily moldable in comparison to other casting materials such as fiberglass. Casts need to extend above the knee, with approximately 110 degrees of flexion at the knee to prevent the cast from slipping.

Correction of the deformity needs to occur in a stepwise manner to sequentially correct the three-dimensional deformity. Following gentle manipulation, the first casting stage involves correcting the cavus by elevating the first metatarsal, which will adjust the alignment of the forefoot with the hindfoot.

Once the cavus has undergone sufficient correction, the next stage is the abduction of the forefoot around the talus. The head of the talus requires clinical identification via palpation to do this safely. Abduction of up to 60 degrees relative to the tibia may be possible with sequential casting. Through abduction of the forefoot, the hindfoot varus will also get corrected. Varus should not have correction attempted through direct pressure on the hindfoot. Pronation should also be avoided during the casting process as it may prevent the abduction of the calcaneus and recreate a cavus deformity.

Once full abduction has been achieved, the foot can then be brought up into dorsiflexion. If dorsiflexion remains less than 10 degrees, then percutaneous Achilles tenotomy is indicated. Approximately 80% of patients will require a percutaneous tenotomy. This process is performable under local anesthesia in a clinic environment once appropriate counseling of the family has taken place. Following percutaneous Achilles tenotomy, a final cast is applied with approximately 60 degrees of abduction and 20 degrees of dorsiflexion for three weeks.

Bracing is the second phase of treatment, which maintains the correction achieved. Ponseti protocol recommends abduction bracing with boot and bar, and this should commence immediately after the final cast. The patient should wear the brace should be worn 24 hours per day for the first three months, reducing to 12 hours at night with 2 to 4 hours during the day up to 4 years of age. The boot positioning should be shoulder-width apart, and the affected foot in 70 degrees of external rotation.

Compliance with bracing is crucial, and appropriate counseling and support are essential. With poor compliance, there are recurrence rates of up to 80% reported, in comparison to 6% in those who are compliant. Close observation is required, and if there is evidence of early recurrence, then a further period of casting should commence.

Surgical intervention may be required those with residual deformities or recurrent relapses. Tibialis anterior transfer is indicated if the child is over 30 months old and develops dynamic supination. Tibialis anterior may overpower the weakened personals, and its transfer to the lateral cuneiform aims to balance the foot. Its transfer is necessary in approximately 20% of cases. Additional procedures, such as open Achilles lengthening, may also be required.

Differential Diagnosis

Other congenital foot deformities include calcaneovalgus foot and congenital vertical talus. However, in both of these conditions, the foot appears to be in dorsiflexion rather than equinus with cavus.

An equinovarus foot may appear like an untreated clubfoot, but is not present at birth and often develops secondary to a neuromuscular condition such as cerebral palsy or spina bifida.

Prognosis

The Ponseti method has a reported initial correction rate of 98%. Approximately 80% of patients will require percutaneous Achilles tenotomy at the end of their casting, and approximately 20% will require an anterior tibialis transfer.

Long term studies of patients treated for idiopathic clubfoot via the Ponseti method have reported good or excellent outcomes in 78% of patients. Patients may have a foot that is 1 to 2 sizes smaller than the unaffected side in unilateral cases.

Complications

The most common complication associated with clubfoot treatment is recurrence. This complication predominantly occurs due to compliance during the maintenance period with boot and bars. Inadequate compliance may result in up to an 80% recurrence rate. It is, therefore, crucial to appropriately counsel and educate families from an early stage and ensure that appropriate support is available.

When surgical intervention is required, additional risk factors such as infection and damage to surrounding structures come in to play. Aggressive surgical intervention such as extensive soft tissue release should be avoided where possible as this may also lead to the long term development of arthritis, overcorrection, mechanical weakness, and even avascular necrosis.

Deterrence and Patient Education

As mentioned previously, appropriate family education and counseling are crucial to achieving compliance and good long term results. Families need to be aware from the start that treatment via the Ponseti technique is likely to be a 4 to 5-year commitment, but long term results are excellent if compliant. Failure to comply is likely to lead to further periods of casting and surgical intervention.

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

Clubfoot can be a challenging but rewarding condition to manage. An interprofessional team approach is crucial to ensure good outcomes are achievable. This team typically includes neonatologists, primary care providers, physiotherapists, orthopedic surgeons, orthopedic nurses, plaster technicians, play therapists, and orthotic providers. Clinics must provide the necessary cast changes on at least a weekly basis, as well as give appropriate support to patients and families in case any difficulties occur. Orthopedic nurses often assist with casting, encourage follow up, educate families, and inform the rest of the team of significant issues. The interprofessional team paradigm, using open communication and collaboration, will result in optimal outcomes for patients with clubfoot. [Level 5]