[Congenital clubfoot]

Abstract

Congenital clubfoot is one of the most common congenital skeletal deformities with an incidence of 1-2/1000 newborns. The deformity is characterized by pathological changes of joints, bones (especially the talus), muscles, tendons and soft tissues which result in subtalar malpositions known as talipes equinus, varus adductus and cavus. Secondary clubfoot is always part of an underlying systemic or neurologic disease and can occur at birth or develop over time. The treatment of clubfoot should start early after birth and is primarily conservative, involving manipulation and serial casting. Among conservative techniques available today, the Ponseti method is the treatment of choice. Applying this treatment protocol surgical therapy can be reduced in amount and extent. Extensive surgical therapy is only necessary in exceptional cases.