Pes equinovarus, which is seen once in every 1,000 births, is more common in boys than in girls. In this disease, which worries families, the recovery rate is quite high if treatment is started early.
Pes equinovarus is the condition in which the sole of the foot turns towards the leg. The baby is also described as having congenital clubfoot. Although the exact cause is not known, familial factors and the baby's posture in the womb have an impact. Although it is rarely seen together with other congenital anomalies, it is usually a disease that occurs alone. The fact that babies' feet turn inwards and the soles of their feet point upwards worries new mothers and fathers. However, it is possible to correct the feet with very simple applications.
The treatment process differs when seen together with other congenital anomalies. Early diagnosis and treatment are of great importance in cases where congenital clubfoot occurs alone. If there is a delay in treatment, the disease may cause permanent disabilities or long surgical procedures.
It Can Be Detected During Pregnancy
The first diagnosis of the disease can be made by a gynecologist and obstetrician during pregnancy. It is easy to diagnose because the disease is evident even in cases where it cannot be noticed during pregnancy.
While it can be corrected only with massage, plaster cast or minor interventions by specialists with plaster, there may also be cases that require serious surgeries.
Gold in treatment. standard: Ponseti Method
In the treatment of the disease, it is of great importance to start wearing a cast weekly after birth. This cast treatment is called the Ponseti Method. Dr. By developing this method that bears his name, Ponseti has saved children suffering from the disease from long surgery processes.
In this plastering method, the pediatric orthopedist who applies the treatment applies plasters to the child's feet, changing every week according to the Ponseti technique. It provides gradual improvement by changing the plaster position every week. This process continues until the child's foot is fully corrected. Generally, 4 weeks of plaster application is sufficient for the foot to fully recover. However, the necessary improvement can be achieved with a maximum of 8 weeks of application. After the plastering treatment is completed, the child will be given a device called Orthosis, which he will use 23 hours a day for 3 months. It is worn with a device that resembles a shoe but can be described as slightly larger. Afterwards, the device should continue to be used until the age of 4, only at night.
Pes equinovarus may recur!
One of the most important complications of congenital clubfoot disease is its recurrence. After successful plastering treatment, families may have difficulty using the device. During this period, the disease may reoccur. If the disease relapses before the age of 2, casting is performed again using the Ponseti Method. If it relapses after the age of 2, solutions including surgery may be required. The difficulty of the surgery increases with age. At this point, the cooperation of families is of great importance. It is beneficial for children with pes equinovarus to be followed up regularly by pediatric orthopedists until their bone development is completed. After these children recover, they can continue their lives normally and play sports. There are also people who had this disease in their childhood and later became national athletes.
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