Clubfoot Congenital Talipes Equinovarus

Clubfoot sometimes known as Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV) is a developmental deformation that develops during the second trimester of pregnancy.

– It is sometimes picked up on your twenty week scan but sometimes it is not detected until your baby is born.
– It can affect one or both feet. It is more common in males than females.
– The golden standard treatment as recommended by NICE is the Ponseti Treatment

What to expect if my baby is diagnosed with Club Foot

Following your baby’s birth he / she should be referred directly to an Orthopaedic Specialist who uses the Ponseti Method. This doctor maybe at your local hospital or you may need to be referred to a different hospital who have a consultant who uses this treatment method.

This is obviously a very worrying time for new parents and if this condition has not been diagnosed antenatally it can often be very hard for parents being faced with this diagnosis. I advise that you ask if there is a member of the medical or physiotherapy team who have an understanding of this condition and treatment method to be able to spend time with you and your baby to talk through the treatment prior to your discharge from hospital. This will allow you to ask any questions and give you as much information as you need to help you understand your baby’s condition before going home.

Your baby should also be referred for a routine ultra sound scan of their hips if they have CTEV as we know that these babies are at a higher risk of having congenital hip dysplasia.

If you feel you have more questions regarding your babies treatment and are awaiting an appointment to see a specialist pick up the phone and Beth will be happy to help you.

Beth Williamson is trained in the Ponseti technique and has treated these babies for many years whilst working in the NHS in the North East of England.

Would you like to find out more contact the Physio Hub in the North East of England? Send us a message or call us on 01429 869283.