Affiliations: [a] Department of FEIT, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia | [b] The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Ameersing Luximon, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China. Tel.: +852 27666449; E-mail:tcshyam@polyu.edu.hk
Abstract: Clubfoot, known as congenital talipes equinovarus, is one of the complex
paediatric foot deformity with the incidence of 1 in every 1000 live births.
It consists of four complex foot abnormalities such as forefoot adductus,
midfoot cavus, and hindfoot varus and ankle equinus. There are a number of
surgical techniques (soft tissue releases, arthrodesis) used to correct
clubfoot. However currently the conservative management (manipulation,
serial casting, and braces) of clubfoot is considered as the best choice and
it is widely accepted among orthopaedists. Clubfoot treated with surgical
techniques might suffer various complications such as soft tissues
contractures, neurovascular complications, infections, and shortening of the
limbs. Although conservative method is generally considered as an effective
method, it is still challenging to cure clubfoot in advance stages. Also,
the classification of the initial severity of clubfoot is essential to
evaluate the outcome of the treatment. In this review, the aim is to review
the different types of conservative method and the assessment of clubfoot
severity.
Keywords: Clubfoot conservative management, clubfoot, Ponseti method, Copenhagen method, French functional or physiotherapist method
