Operational
The optimal age for surgical treatment of all structures is about three months. This involves lengthening the Achilles tendon and correcting the angle between the heel and heel bone. The aim of the operation is to correct all the structures involved, so it may sometimes be necessary to straighten individual bones of the foot.
Prognosis
The prognosis of a clubfoot malposition depends on early treatment. If left untreated, the malposition will definitely persist and may even worsen as the foot grows. The bones grow deformed, the joints slip out of their normal position and the muscles harden.
All this leads to increasing stiffening of the foot and pain when walking and standing. However, if an adequate therapy is started immediately after the diagnosis is made, a complete healing can be achieved. In addition to an intensive treatment with plaster casts, it is often necessary to lengthen the Achilles tendon in an operation.
Summary
The clubfoot is a complex malpositioning of the foot, in which an acquired and a congenital form can be distinguished. The congenital clubfoot is the second most common congenital malposition after the hip joint malposition, with boys being affected twice as often as girls. The various malformations that together form the clubfoot are a pointed foot, a hollow foot, a sickle foot position of the forefoot and an inward rotation of the foot.
In addition, the shortening of the Achilles tendon and a curvature of the calf muscles are typical, therefore also called “clubfoot”. In any case, early and intensive therapy is important. As a rule, a regression treatment is started, whereby the clubfoot is gradually corrected with plaster casts.
With consistent treatment, complete healing is possible. Untreated, however, pain occurs when walking and standing.
