Clubfoot
The NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases Center for Children is a leading hospital in the northeast for treatment related to Clubfoot. Hundreds of patients have been seen by our doctors with rarely a need for major surgery. The New York Ponseti Clubfoot Center is one of the preeminent centers in the country for this procedure.
Definition
Clubfoot is a deformity of the foot that occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy and results in the patient’s feet pointed downwards and curved inwards. While this condition does not cause pain, it progressively becomes worse if left untreated and may permanently cripple the infant born with Clubfoot.
Causes
The cause of Clubfoot is unknown however there is strong evidence that a genetic component might be involved as some affected children have a relative who was born with the condition. There does not seem to be a single gene identified as being responsible for the condition, but a number of different genes and non-genetic factors are involved.
- A family history of Clubfoot
- Position of the baby in the uterus
- Increased occurrences with neuromuscular disorders, such as Cerebral Palsy and Spina Bifida
- A decreased amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus in the uterus
- Foot turns inward and downward at birth
- Calf muscle and foot can be smaller than norma
Diagnosis
A physical examination is done by the doctor or, an X-ray or CAT scan is taken.
Treatment
Surgical Care
When non-surgical treatment does not correct Clubfoot, surgery may be performed. After surgery, pins or a cast may be used to maintain the foot position until it has healed. Splints may also be needed after surgery.
Non-surgical Care
The Ponseti Technique is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for Clubfoot. It is a short term, non-invasive series of castings with results often accomplished in an average of five weeks. What the Ponseti Technique accomplishes is putting the feet back in their proper place in sequential order. For example, the second session cannot be attempted until the first has been successful, etc. Physical therapy is also used to gently stretch the joints along with casting and splints.
Prevention
Because the cause of Clubfoot is unknown, there are no known ways to prevent it.
Case Examples
Click here for photos of a patient treated for Clubfoot.
Resources
Clubfoot Center
http://www.med.nyu.edu/hjd/centerforchildren/patient/clubfoot.html
The Wallace B. Lehman, M.D. Center for Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery
http://www.nyuhjd.org/hjd/centerforchildren/patient/wallace.html
Center for Pediatric Bone Health
http://www.med.nyu.edu/hjd/centerforchildren/patient/ped_bone.html
The New York Institute for Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction http://www.nyuhjd.org/hjd/centerforchildren/patient/limb.html
The Center for Pediatric Rehabilitation and Pediatric Medicine
http://www.nyuhjd.org/hjd/centerforchildren/patient/ped_rehab.html
The NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapy Department
http://www.nyuhjd.org/hjd/centerforchildren/patient/rehabilitation.html
Child Life Program at Center for Children
http://www.nyuhjd.org/hjd/centerforchildren/patient/child_life.html
Music Therapy at Center for Children
http://www.nyuhjd.org/hjd/centerforchildren/patient/music_therapy.html
To make an appointment at the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases Center for Children, please call 212-598-6205