Club Foot (CTEV) Treatment

Expert Care for Your Child

At our orthopedic practice, we specialize in treating Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV), commonly known as club foot, a condition present at birth that affects the shape and position of a child’s foot. Our board-certified pediatric orthopedic specialists use advanced techniques, including the Ponseti method, to gently correct club foot and help your child walk, run, and play with confidence. With our state-of-the-art X-ray facility for accurate diagnosis and expert physiotherapy for long-term support, we provide compassionate, family-centered care to guide you through every step of treatment.

Understanding Club Foot (CTEV)

Club foot is a congenital condition where one or both feet are turned inward and downward, resembling a club shape. It occurs in about 1 in 1,000 births and is more common in boys. The foot may appear smaller, with tight tendons and muscles, and the calf may be underdeveloped. While the exact cause is often unknown, it can be linked to:

Genetics: Family history of club foot increases the likelihood.

Associated Conditions: Rarely, club foot may occur with conditions like spina bifida or developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Without treatment, club foot can lead to walking difficulties, pain, and mobility issues. However, with early intervention—ideally starting shortly after birth—most children achieve normal foot function and lead active lives.

Our Approach to Club Foot Treatment

Our goal is to correct the foot’s shape and alignment to ensure normal function without pain. We prioritize non-surgical methods, reserving surgery for complex cases, and tailor each plan to your child’s needs.

Accurate Diagnosis

Physical Exam: Our specialists assess the foot’s shape, flexibility, and range of motion at birth or during your first visit. Club foot is often diagnosed prenatally via ultrasound or at birth.

X-Ray Imaging: Our on-site X-ray facility provides detailed images of the foot’s bones to evaluate severity and monitor progress during treatment, especially for older children or complex cases.

Comprehensive Evaluation: We check for related conditions and discuss your family’s medical history to create a personalized treatment plan.

Non-Surgical Treatment: The Ponseti Method

The Ponseti method is the gold standard for club foot correction, effective in 95% of cases when started early. This gentle, non-surgical approach involves:

Serial Casting:
* Over 4-8 weeks, we apply a series of plaster casts to gradually stretch and reposition the foot. Casts are changed weekly, gently correcting the foot’s alignment.
* Our team, skilled in plaster care, ensures casts are comfortable and properly fitted to avoid skin irritation.

Achilles Tenotomy:
* In most cases, a minor outpatient procedure (under local anesthesia) lengthens the tight Achilles tendon to complete the correction.
* A final cast is worn for 2-3 weeks post-procedure to maintain alignment.

Bracing:
* After casting, your child wears a foot abduction brace (boots connected by a bar) to prevent recurrence. Bracing is full-time for 3 months, then nighttime-only until age 4-5.
* We provide detailed guidance on brace use and monitor compliance to ensure success.

The Ponseti method typically achieves full correction within months, allowing most children to walk normally by their first birthday.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered for:
* Resistant or recurrent club foot not fully corrected by casting.
* Older children or complex cases with severe deformities
* Associated conditions requiring additional intervention.

Surgical options include:

Bracing: Lengthening tendons and ligaments to correct foot position, often followed by casting.

Osteotomy: Realigning bones for severe deformities, stabilized with pins or plaster care.

Minimally Invasive Techniques: When possible, we use arthroscopy-like approaches to minimize scarring and recovery time.

Our surgeons, experienced in pediatric orthopedics and spine surgery, ensure precision and safety, with post-surgical physiotherapy to optimize mobility.