Educational Guide for Families
Clear information, care recommendations, and everything you need to know about your baby's treatment.
Parent's Help Brochure
What is Clubfoot?
Clubfoot, also called talipes equinovarus, is the most common congenital foot deformity. It occurs in approximately 1 in 1,000 live births.
Its cause is unknown, but in recent years genetic alterations have been identified in some cases. It is not caused by anything the parents have done or failed to do, and there is no reason for them to feel guilty about having a child with clubfoot. The chances of having a second child with the same condition are approximately 1 in 30.
Is there a treatment?
Yes. Most clubfeet can be corrected in childhood, within six to eight weeks depending on the case, through gentle manipulation and the application of several casts that gradually correct the deformity. Later, in most cases, a minor procedure called a tenotomy of the Achilles tendon is performed, followed by the use of special shoes at night. With parental commitment and adherence to medical recommendations, the treatment is effective in more than 95% of cases.
When to start?
Treatment should ideally begin in the first month of life to take advantage of the elasticity of the tissues that make up the ligaments, tendons, and joint capsules. However, the method is effective in older children and even adults, so it can be started at any age.
"Parents of children born with VSP can rest assured that their baby, treated by expert hands, will have feet that look and function normal. Well-treated VSP does not cause any disability and is fully compatible with normality."
How does the Ponseti method work?
With the Ponseti method, the structures are stretched through gentle weekly manipulations combined with the application of a cast to maintain the correction achieved. In this way, the displaced bones are correctly aligned, and the foot gradually acquires a normal appearance.
Step 1
Manipulation followed by the application of casts from the toes to the thigh. This is repeated weekly, and usually 5 to 7 sets are sufficient; however, some children may require more manipulations and casts or a longer course of treatment.
Step 2
Following the manipulations, most cases require a procedure on the Achilles tendon through a small incision (5 mm). This can be performed under general or local anesthesia before applying the final cast.
Step 3
After the last cast is removed, a splint must be worn full-time and then at night until the child is four years old. If the splint is not worn correctly, the deformity usually recurs and the treatment must be repeated.
Plaster care at home
Step 1
Check the circulation, temperature, and color of the fingers (they should be pink) every hour for the first 6 hours after the cast is applied, and then four times a day.
Step 2
Press on your fingers to see if they regain their pink color. If your fingers are dark or cold and don't change from white to pink, the cast may be too tight. If this happens, see your doctor or go to the emergency room.
Look at the relationship between your fingertips and the edge of the cast. If your fingers are "sinking" into the cast, it's because the cast has slipped. This can create pressure points on your skin. Immediately find your orthopedist or someone from your team and tell them what happened.
Step 3
Always keep the plaster clean and dry. If it gets dirty, you can clean it with a slightly damp cloth.
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
When your baby is lying down, place a small pillow or cushion under the cast. This prevents pressure points on the heel that can cause a sore.
Prevent the cast from getting dirty by changing the diaper frequently. Keep the cast outside the diaper to prevent urine or feces from getting in.
The treatment should not cause pain. If the patient experiences pain, they should consult their doctor.
Visit your doctor or clinic in any of the following situations:
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•If you notice a bad smell or discharge coming from inside the cast.
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•If the skin at the edges of the cast appears red, injured, or irritated.
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•If there is poor circulation in the fingers.
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•If the plaster comes loose.
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•If the child complains of pain or has a fever of 38.5 degrees or higher without any other explanation (such as flu or virus).