Last Reviewed May 29, 2009
Symptoms & Characteristics
Clubfoot (also called talipes equinovarus) is a foot abnormality that is apparent at birth in which the foot points downward and turns inward and is rotated. The defect can involve one foot (called unilateral) or both feet (called bilateral). About 50% of cases are bilateral. In bilateral clubfeet, the soles of the feet may face each other. In both unilateral and bilateral clubfoot, the foot bones, ankle joints, as well as muscles and ligaments of the foot may also be abnormal. Clubfoot can be mild or severe.
Most of the time, clubfoot occurs by itself. Sometimes, people with clubfoot also have other physical defects which may lead to additional health issues.
While clubfoot does not cause pain, it can cause long-term abnormalities in walking and balance. If properly treated, most of the time clubfoot can resolve in early childhood.
Treatment
There are a number of treatments for clubfoot. Most involve some form stretching, positioning and serial casting. In some cases, surgery is needed. Treatment is often under the direction of an Orthopedist (a physician who specializes in the musculoskeletal system of the body).
How Common Is It?
About 1 in 1,000 newborns are affected with clubfoot. More males than females are affected with clubfoot.
Genetics & Inheritance
Many cases of clubfoot occur as an isolated defect. Isolated clubfoot is a multifactorial condition, which means it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
- Some environmental factors have been proposed to increase the risk for a clubfoot during pregnancy. Some of these factors include certain maternal infections, maternal drug use and cigarette smoking.
In some cases, clubfoot occurs as a feature of an underlying genetic condition. In these genetic conditions, there are often additional characteristic mental and/or physical defects. For example, clubfoot can be found in people with Trisomy 18, spina bifida, or arthrogryposis, a rare disorder characterized by multiple joint contractures and muscle weakness at birth.
An evaluation by a medical geneticist may be helpful in distinguishing between isolated clubfoot versus clubfoot caused by an underlying genetic condition. This distinction is important for not only the health and management of the affected person but also for an accurate estimation of recurrence risk within a family.
In the absence of a known genetic cause/condition, the estimated recurrence risk for isolated clubfoot within a family depends on different factors. These factors may include the number of affected people within the family as well as the degree of relationship (close, distant) of the affected relatives.
Genetic Testing
In the absence of a known genetic cause/condition, genetic testing for isolated clubfoot is unavailable. During pregnancy, a comprehensive ultrasound (a detailed fetal ultrasound) may be helpful in visualizing clubfoot.
It is always recommended to see genetic counseling with a trained genetic professional for a complete evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and discussion of the benefits and limitations of testing and recurrence risk. Use our find a genetic professional directory to locate a trained
genetic professional in your area.
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Alternative Names
- Talipes equinovarus
- Talipes