Clubfoot 1

Clubfoot2
Approach to Clubfeet – Initial Management

Begin treatment of the newborn with above knee casting, even if arthrogrypotic (anticipate that you�ll fix these later on)

– first, try to correct the midfoot/forefoot deformity by reducing the navicular back onto the talus and cuboid back to calcaneus. Do not try to achieve correction of the equinus all in one shot – because the temptation is to push up on the foot to correct the equinus, and you simply break through the midfoot or create a flat-topped talus. Take it in steps. Correct the midfoot/forefoot first, and then gradually get the foot out of equinus.

– the kid returns weekly for cast change

– plan on trying successive manipulations and casting for at least 3 months.
– they then go into an AFO or Denis/Brown boots for a year.

– in the end, if you can get a plantigrade foot with closed reductions and castings, that may be the best result possible.

Complications of closed treatment include
– increased cavus deformity
– rocker-bottom foot
– longitudinal breach
– flattening of the proximal surface of the talus (flat-top talus)
– skin breakdown
– increased stiffness