Clubfoot Consultations for Expecting Parents

If your doctor has diagnosed your baby with clubfoot, it’s important to understand what this means and the treatment options available. At The Pediatric Orthopedic Center (TPOC), we specialize in providing expert care for babies born with clubfoot, ensuring the best outcomes through early intervention and innovative techniques like the Ponseti method.

What Is Clubfoot?

Clubfoot, also known as talipes equinovarus, is a birth defect where a baby is born with one or both feet turned inward and downward. The condition affects the muscles, tendons, and bones of the foot and ankle, making it appear as though the foot is twisted. Clubfoot is typically diagnosed shortly after birth, and while it may appear concerning, it can usually be corrected with the right treatment, often without the need for surgery.

The condition occurs in approximately 1 in every 1,000 live births and can affect one or both feet. In most cases, it is idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. However, with early intervention and proper care, children with clubfoot can grow up to lead normal, active lives.

How Clubfoot Is Diagnosed During Pregnancy

Clubfoot is often detected during a routine prenatal ultrasound, typically between the 18th and 22nd weeks of pregnancy. While ultrasound imaging cannot provide a definitive diagnosis, it can show abnormal positioning of the feet and ankles. If clubfoot is suspected, your doctor may recommend further testing or consultation with a pediatric orthopedic specialist for confirmation.

While prenatal ultrasound is an effective tool for early detection, it’s important to understand that a diagnosis of clubfoot before birth does not always mean the condition will be severe. Many cases of clubfoot can be successfully managed with nonsurgical treatments after birth.

Why Should Expecting Parents Schedule a Clubfoot Consultation?

Scheduling a prenatal consultation for clubfoot can provide expecting parents with invaluable information about the condition and the treatment options available. Early consultation helps parents understand the nature of the birth defect, the long-term outlook for their child, and what steps will be taken immediately after birth.

By seeing a specialist early on, parents can ensure that the correct treatment plan is in place as soon as their baby is born. Treatment typically begins shortly after birth, and early intervention is key to achieving a corrected position of the feet. The Ponseti method, a nonsurgical treatment approach, is widely regarded as the most effective treatment for clubfoot and can be initiated in the first few weeks of life.

Causes and Risk Factors of Clubfoot

The exact cause of clubfoot is not always clear, though several factors are believed to contribute to the condition. Clubfoot may be caused by genetic factors or environmental influences. In some cases, a family history of the condition may increase the likelihood of a baby being born with clubfoot. Additionally, clubfoot can occur as part of a syndrome or other birth defects, though this is relatively rare.

Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of a baby being born with clubfoot, including:

• Family history: If there is a history of clubfoot in the family, the risk of the condition is higher.
• Gender: Boys are more likely to be born with clubfoot than girls.
• Other birth defects: Clubfoot can sometimes be associated with other musculoskeletal or neurological conditions.

Conditions Linked to Clubfoot

While the majority of clubfoot cases are idiopathic (with no clear cause), there are some conditions that may be linked to the birth defect, including:

• Spina bifida: A neural tube defect that can impact the lower spinal cord and result in a variety of musculoskeletal abnormalities, including clubfoot.
• Arthrogryposis: A condition that causes joint contractures and muscle weakness, sometimes associated with clubfoot.
• Cerebral palsy: A neurological condition that affects muscle movement and coordination can also be linked to clubfoot in some cases.

Understanding whether your baby’s clubfoot is associated with other conditions can help your pediatric orthopedic specialist create a tailored treatment plan that addresses all of your child’s needs.

Treatment Options for Clubfoot After Birth

Treatment for clubfoot typically begins shortly after birth, with the goal of correcting the foot’s position and ensuring normal development. At TPOC, we use the Ponseti method, a widely recognized nonsurgical treatment that involves a series of gentle manipulations and the application of casts to gradually move the foot into a corrected position.

The Ponseti method is highly effective and typically involves the following steps:

1. Gentle manipulation: The pediatric orthopedic specialist manipulates the foot into a corrected position, followed by the application of a cast to hold the foot in place.
2. Serial casting: A series of casts are applied over several weeks to further correct the foot’s position. This process gradually straightens the foot and ankle.
3. Tendon release: In some cases, a minor surgical procedure may be performed to release a tight tendon (the Achilles tendon), which is often needed to fully correct the foot’s position.
4. Footwear and bracing: After the foot has been corrected, the baby will wear a special brace to maintain the foot in the correct position. This is typically worn full-time for several months, then part-time until the child is around four years old.

What to Expect During a Clubfoot Consultation

During a clubfoot consultation at TPOC, you will meet with a pediatric orthopedic specialist who will review your baby’s diagnosis and discuss treatment options. The doctor will explain the Ponseti method, answer any questions you may have, and provide guidance on how to care for your baby during treatment.

The consultation will also include an assessment of your baby’s overall health, and the specialist will ensure that you are fully informed about what to expect throughout the treatment process. We will work with you to ensure the best possible outcome for your baby’s clubfoot treatment.

About Our Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons

At The Pediatric Orthopedic Center, our board-certified pediatric orthopedic surgeons have extensive experience treating clubfoot and other congenital disorders.

• Dr. Mark Rieger is a leader in the treatment of clubfoot and was the first in New Jersey to use the Ponseti method. He continues to drive innovation in nonsurgical treatments, ensuring the best outcomes for his young patients.
• Dr. Tamir Bloom specializes in pediatric orthopedics, with expertise in both surgical and nonsurgical interventions, tailoring treatment plans to meet each child’s needs.
• Dr. Mark Solomon, a board-certified foot and ankle specialist, offers a wealth of experience in treating both pediatric and adult foot conditions. He is known for his advanced techniques and patient-centered care.

Request an Appointment

If your baby has been diagnosed with clubfoot or you have concerns about your child’s condition, schedule a consultation with our expert pediatric orthopedic team. At The Pediatric Orthopedic Center, we specialize in providing the highest quality care for clubfoot and other pediatric orthopedic conditions.

To schedule an appointment, call us at (973) 538-7700 or fill out our online appointment request form. We are dedicated to helping your child achieve the best possible outcomes through early intervention and specialized care.