Introduction of a common deformity in children with clubfoot

  Congenital clubfoot is a common congenital malformation in children, with an average incidence of about 1 per 1,000, a male to female sex ratio of about 2:1, and slightly more unilateral than bilateral incidence. The etiology of this disease is not clear and may be related to genetics, neuromuscular pathology, soft tissue contracture of the foot, vascular anomalies, regional growth disorders and intrauterine mechanical compression.  The deformity of horseshoe inversion, i.e., small heel, heel inversion, forefoot inversion, and medial deviation of the toes, often combined with internal rotation deformity of the lower leg and leg muscle dysplasia, appears after birth. With the increase of age, the deformity gradually worsens. Especially after walking under weight, local callus often appears due to the lateral edge of the dorsum of the foot landing. Therefore, it is not difficult to diagnose.  The treatment of congenital clubfoot starts as early as possible, otherwise it can lead to serious disability when the age increases, generally seven to ten days after birth can be corrected by manipulation or plaster, our department applies the best international universal method – Penseti plaster treatment, the cure rate of congenital clubfoot can reach 90%, once a week manipulation and change the plaster, generally five to six times. If the Achilles tendon contracture is serious, a percutaneous Achilles tendotomy is performed for the last time after the inversion and pronation of the foot are completely corrected; then a Dennis-Browne brace is applied to protect the foot for about 2 years. After toddling at about 1 year of age, special shoes must be worn (high medial upper and 3 mm high lateral sole) and the brace must be kept in place at night. In cases of congenital clubfoot where conservative treatment has failed, surgical treatment is required, such as muscle balancing surgery and soft tissue release of the posterior medial Turco.