Congenital Club Foot (Pes Equinovarus)

Pes equinovarus is a congenital foot deformity in which the feet are turned inward, bent down and in a rigid position. It occurs in about one in every thousand live births and is more common in male babies.

This deformity is easily recognized by families at birth. The diagnosis is made by physical examination, and it is important to start treatment in the first months after birth.

The most effective treatment method is the Ponseti method, which is recognized worldwide:

• The foot and ankle are gradually corrected with weekly plaster cast changes
• A small surgical release of the Achilles tendon (tenotomy) is then performed
• Special night devices (orthotics) are used to maintain foot position for 3 years.

When treatment is adapted, children can walk completely normally. However, failure to use the device in the appropriate time and manner is the most important reason for relapse.