Scientifically known as Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV), the term "clubfoot" is derived from Latin words: 'Tali,' meaning ankle, 'Pes,' meaning foot, 'Equinus,' meaning foot pointing down (similar to a horse's foot), and 'Varus,' meaning deviated towards the midline. Essentially, clubfoot is a congenital deformity where the foot is twisted inward and downward. It can affect one or both feet and in the most severe cases, the foot can appear as if it's facing upside down.
Clubfoot is more prevalent in boys, with approximately twice as many cases reported in boys than in girls. The reason for this discrepancy is unknown, and on top of that, around 80% of all Clubfoot cases are idiopathic, meaning the overall cause is also unknown. The remaining 20% of cases are often associated with other disorders such as Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, and Arthrogryposis.
Statistics show that clubfoot affects approximately
1 baby per 1000 births in the UK. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the child's quality of life, so awareness among parents is key. And with treatments like the
Ponseti method found to be around 90% effective in achieving a functional and cosmetically pleasing foot, many find it is a treatment worth pursuing.
Steeper clinicians up and down the country treat clubfoot using the
Ponseti method, named after Dr Ignacio Ponseti, a renowned orthopaedic surgeon. This method has revolutionised clubfoot management and is considered the gold standard treatment worldwide. Typically beginning within the first few weeks of a baby's life and continuing for several months, fibreglass casts are applied to gradually correct the foot deformity. These are changed every one to two weeks to accommodate growth and movement.
Once the desired correction is achieved, a Foot Abduction Brace is used to maintain the correction achieved from the Ponseti method. The brace is worn for up to 23 hours a day and then gradually reduced to nighttime wear until the age of four or five. Non-compliance with brace wear can cause the Clubfoot to return, therefore, parents must ensure their child consistently wears the brace as instructed by the healthcare provider.