Definition of Clubfoot repair:

Clubfoot repair is surgery to correct a birth defect of the foot and ankle.

See also: Clubfoot

Description:

The type of surgery that is done depends on:

• How serious the clubfoot is
• Your child's age
• What other treatments your child has had

Your child will have general anesthesia (asleep and pain-free) during the surgery.

Ligaments are tissues that help hold the bones together in the body. Tendons are tissues that help attach muscles to bones. A clubfoot occurs when tight tendons and ligaments prevent the foot from stretching into the right position.

To repair a clubfoot, one or two cuts are made in the skin, most often on the back of the foot and around the inside part of the foot.

• Your child's surgeon may make the tendon around the foot longer or shorter. The Achilles tendon at the back of the foot is almost always cut.
• Older children or more severe cases may need some bone cut. Sometimes, pins are placed in the foot.
• A cast is placed on the foot after surgery to keep it in position while it heals. Sometimes a splint is put on first, and the cast is placed a few days later.

Older children who still have a foot deformity after surgery may need more surgery. Also, children who have not had surgery yet may need surgery as they grow. Types of surgery they may need include:

• Osteotomy: Removing part of the bone
• Fusion or arthrodesis: Two or more bones are fused together. The surgeon uses bone from somewhere else in the body.
• Metal pins or plates may be used to hold the bones together for a while.

Why the Procedure Is Performed:

A baby who is born with a clubfoot is first treated with a cast to stretch the foot into a more normal position.

• A new cast will be placed every week so the foot can be stretched into position.
• Cast changes continue for about 2 months. After casting, the child wears a brace for several years.

Clubfoot repair surgery may be needed if:

• The cast or other treatments do not fully correct the problem
• The problem comes back

Older children or adults may need surgery if:

• A clubfoot was never treated
• They still have foot problems after treatment