Condition
CTEV (Congenital Talipes Equinovarus)
Clubfoot, also known as Congenital Talipes Equinovarus, is a complex and congenital foot deformity that, if untreated, can hinder mobility due to walking difficulties and pain. The condition involves a malalignment of soft and bony structures in the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot, resulting in an inward turning of the midfoot (adductus) and a varus hindfoot, with the foot fixed in a downward position at the subtalar joint. The affected foot is shorter with a smaller calf circumference compared to a normal foot.
If left untreated, clubfoot can progress to a severe deformity, impacting an individual’s lifelong mobility and hindering participation in daily activities.
While about 80% of cases are idiopathic, the remaining 20% are associated with disorders like Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, and Arthrogryposis.
Signs and Symptoms
You might observe the following characteristics in your child’s foot
- Kidney shape
- Deep crease on the inside
- Higher arch than normal (known as cavus foot deformity)
Other symptoms associated with clubfoot may include
- A smaller calf muscle in the affected leg.
- Shorter foot.
- Ankle stiffness.
- Lack of full range of motion in their foot.
Understanding Clubfoot
At HEJJE, we understand the complexities of clubfoot, a condition that may initially appear overwhelming. It’s important to recognize that clubfoot can be categorized into various types, and our team of experts is here to assist you at every stage.
Supporting Families
We understand that the journey can be taxing, and at HEJJE, we prioritize not only the physical well-being of your child but also the emotional, psychological support and guidance needed for parents. We recognize that clubfoot can impact various aspects of family life, and our commitment is to stand by you as partners in this journey.
Our Approach
Personalized care is provided for untreated clubfoot, offering effective interventions tailored for infants. Proven treatments such as the Ponseti method are utilized for corrected clubfeet, coupled with full-time bracing to ensure lasting outcomes.
We specialize in recurrent clubfoot care, preventing deformity recurrence. We offer compassionate support for neglected cases in children over 2 years old, considering surgical correction if needed. Expert care is provided for complex cases, addressing additional complexities from various treatments. We conduct comprehensive evaluations for resistant clubfoot, considering secondary factors. Advanced solutions are available for atypical presentations, like post-cast slippage.
The Ponseti Method involves two main phases of treatment: corrective and maintenance.
During the corrective phase, the foot’s position is gradually adjusted through manipulations and plaster casts. This typically lasts 4–8 weeks, followed by a minor outpatient procedure to cut the Achilles tendon. Weekly visits are necessary during this phase.
Once the corrective phase achieves the desired foot position, the maintenance phase begins. This phase is crucial for preventing the foot from reverting to its previous deformity over the next 4–5 years. Initially, the child wears braces for 23 hours a day for the first 12 weeks, then at night until around 4–5 years old.
The Ponseti Method is widely recognized as a simple and cost-effective treatment for clubfoot. Research spanning the last two decades has consistently shown its effectiveness in over 90% of cases. The treatment aims to ensure functional, pain- free feet, allowing the individual to wear normal shoes and avoid permanent disability.
The key messages to remember, including the importance of assessing, planning, and treating promptly, involving parents in discussions, correcting before maintaining, and emphasizing the significance of brace adherence for long-term success.
Signs and Symptoms
You might observe the following characteristics in your child's foot:
- Kidney shape
- Deep crease on the inside
- Higher arch than normal (known as cavus foot deformity)
Other symptoms associated with clubfoot may include:
- A smaller calf muscle in the affected leg.
- Shorter foot.
- Ankle stiffness.
- Lack of full range of motion in their foot.
Understanding Clubfoot
At HEJJE, we understand the complexities of clubfoot, a condition that may initially appear overwhelming. It’s important to recognize that clubfoot can be categorized into various types, and our team of experts is here to assist you at every stage.
Our Approach
Personalized care is provided for untreated clubfoot, offering effective interventions tailored for infants. Proven treatments such as the Ponseti method are utilized for corrected clubfeet, coupled with full-time bracing to ensure lasting outcomes.
We specialize in recurrent clubfoot care, preventing deformity recurrence. We offer compassionate support for neglected cases in children over 2 years old, considering surgical correction if needed. Expert care is provided for complex cases, addressing additional complexities from various treatments. We conduct comprehensive evaluations for resistant clubfoot, considering secondary factors. Advanced solutions are available for atypical presentations, like post-cast slippage.
Supporting Families
We understand that the journey can be taxing, and at HEJJE, we prioritize not only the physical well-being of your child but also the emotional, psychological support and guidance needed for parents. We recognize that clubfoot can impact various aspects of family life, and our commitment is to stand by you as partners in this journey.
The Ponseti Method involves two main phases of treatment: corrective and maintenance.
During the corrective phase, the foot’s position is gradually adjusted through manipulations and plaster casts. This typically lasts 4–8 weeks, followed by a minor outpatient procedure to cut the Achilles tendon. Weekly visits are necessary during this phase.
Once the corrective phase achieves the desired foot position, the maintenance phase begins. This phase is crucial for preventing the foot from reverting to its previous deformity over the next 4–5 years. Initially, the child wears braces for 23 hours a day for the first 12 weeks, then at night until around 4–5 years old.
The Ponseti Method is widely recognized as a simple and cost-effective treatment for clubfoot. Research spanning the last two decades has consistently shown its effectiveness in over 90% of cases. The treatment aims to ensure functional, pain- free feet, allowing the individual to wear normal shoes and avoid permanent disability.
The key messages to remember, including the importance of assessing, planning, and treating promptly, involving parents in discussions, correcting before maintaining, and emphasizing the significance of brace adherence for long-term success.