For parents
What is Talipes?
Talipes is a word used to describe a deformity of the foot and
ankle that is present when a baby is first born.
There are 2 main types of talipes:
1. Positional Talipes
The foot is structurally normal but it has become moulded into
an incorrect position in the womb. Once the baby is born, the foot
position will usually correct on its own. Sometimes, gentle
stretches can be taught to speed this process up.
2. Structural Talipes
The most common structural foot deformity is "congenital talipes
equino varus" (CTEV) or clubfoot. This type of foot problem will
not improve on its own and treatment will be needed to correct the
deformity within the first few months of life.
CTEV
- Congenital - present at birth
- Talipes - foot and ankle
- Equino - foot points downwards
- Varus - Heel turns inwards.
It is not known why CTEV or clubfoot occurs
but occasionally it runs in families. It is twice as common in boys
as girls and may affect both feet or just one. Often, the condition
is detected on the antenatal scan. If this is the case, you as
parents may be referred to the paediatric physiotherapy department
at Bristol Children's Hospital (BCH), so that you can learn how
your baby will be treated once they are
born.
Treatment
If your baby has clubfoot and is referred to BCH they will be
treated with the Ponseti technique. This is considered to be the
gold standard of treatment for this condition.
The Ponseti technique consists of weekly plaster casts whereby
the foot position is gradually corrected. Most babies also need a
small procedure called a tenotomy in order to release the achilles
tendon. When the foot is fully corrected, your baby will need to
wear special boots attached to a bar which maintains this
correction as he or she grows. Initially they are worn for 23hours
a day. From 3 months to 5 years they are worn at night and nap time
only.
At BCH, the Ponseti Clinic is held every Wednesday morning in
the Physiotherapy Department. The team consists of 4 specialist
physiotherapists and 2 consultant orthopaedic surgeons. Your baby
will be seen in this clinic whilst they are having their plaster
cast treatment. They will then continue to have regular reviews
whilst wearing the boots and bar, and afterwards as they continue
to grow.
Contact
Debbie McMillan / Jenny Anstead / Caroline Tope - 0117 342
8525
Links
For more information about clubfoot and its treatment, please go
to:
www.steps-charity.org.uk
