PODIATRIST DISCUSSES TREATMENT OF CLUBFOOT

According to Conway McLean, DPM, "Technically termed talipes equinovarus, a clubfoot entails an abnormally positioned foot, such that the foot is twisted in three different directions. Treatment is recommended since the deformity makes it nearly impossible to have a normal gait pattern. Early intervention is vital since the abnormally positioned extremity becomes more fixed with time. But surgical correction of the deformity in newborns is rarely attempted initially as a form of treatment due to the scarring and high rate of complications."

 

Dr. Conway McLean

 

"Manipulation of the foot out of the deformed position has become the gold standard globally following the widespread dissemination of the Ponsetti method. With this technique, continuous force is applied to the affected joints over time, stretching the tightened ligaments and joint capsules to relax gradually until they achieve the proper anatomical position. Once sufficient mobility of the pathologic tissue is achieved, an above-knee, long leg plaster cast is applied to hold the limb in the new attitude. The cast is changed weekly with most responding sufficiently after 5–7 weeks," says Dr. McLean.

 

Source: Marquette Mining Journal [5/15/23]

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News