Club Feet - Varus Equinus Tunisia
What is Club Feet or Equinus Varus?
Club foot, also known as equinus varus, is a hereditary foot malformation. It presents a complex deformity that affects the ankle, foot, bones and muscles. About one child in every thousand births suffers from this disease, which is more common in boys than girls. Equinovarus clubfoot can be unilateral (one foot) or bilateral (both feet) and may be related to other malformations.
What are the causes ?
Clubfoot, also known as equinovarus, has no specific causes. However, it is possible that this birth defect is the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The structure and position of the foot can be altered by abnormalities of the tendons and ligaments of the foot. In addition, it is mentioned that maternal smoking during pregnancy and malposition of the foot in the uterus could be linked. It is also mentioned that in rare cases clubfoot may be linked to neuromuscular disorders.
What are the symptoms ?
A foot deformity in which the foot is turned inward and the toes pointed downward is one of the symptoms of clubfoot, or equinovarus. This malformation can be unilateral (only one foot) or bilateral (both feet). If left untreated, it can lead to an abnormal gait, with the child walking on the outer edges of the feet and toes, which can cause corns, ulcers and hardening of the skin. Wearing shoes becomes more difficult, and deformities can be unpleasant. Clubfoot is diagnosed after birth, but it can sometimes be discovered during pregnancy.
How to diagnose ?
During a Prenatal ultrasound, the fetus can be diagnosed with clubfoot, also known as equinovarus, but this method can only identify the deformity in about 40% of cases. A clinical examination, during which the essential characteristics of the malformation are assessed, is generally used to confirm the diagnosis at birth. X-rays of the foot may also be taken to assess the position of the bones and detect possible bony abnormalities. Clubfoot is usually diagnosed at birth, but it can also be discovered earlier in pregnancy during an ultrasound.
How to correct club feet?
Depending on the severity of the deformity, there are a variety of methods for repairing clubfoot, or equinovarus. The Ponseti method is the most frequently used approach to treating clubfeet. To correct the deformity, the leg and foot are wrapped in plaster. To maintain the correction, a splint is worn after this method. In certain situations, physiotherapy manipulations and the wearing of orthotics can also be used to soften the muscles and cartilage and maintain the foot in a correct position. In more serious cases or if orthopedic treatment is not sufficiently effective, usually after 9 months of age, surgery may be considered.
What are the possible complications of equinus varus?
Problems that can occur with equinovarus, also known as clubfoot, include:
Abnormal gait: The child may walk on the outer edge of his or her feet and their toes, which can cause pain and posture problems.
Development of hard skin: The skin may become hard, with corns and ulcers, particularly on the outer edge of the foot.
Difficulty with shoes: Clubfoot can make wearing shoes difficult.
Difficulty walking: The deformity can lead to difficulty walking or even disability .
Bone complications: Bone abnormalities may persist and lead to additional complications if clubfoot is not processed.
Is surgery an option to treat clubfeet?
If the foot deformity is severe or if other treatment methods, such as the Ponseti method, are not working well enough, surgery may be a treatment option for clubfoot. Clubfoot surgery usually involves general or local anesthesia and may include procedures such as Achilles tendon tenotomy to allow the heel to move. Surgery is often considered around the age of 9 months and may be prescribed after the acquisition of walking to correct residual defects.
What are the operational consequences ?
The postoperative course for clubfoot, also known as equinus foot, can vary depending on the surgical technique used and possible complications. The following repercussions may occur after surgery:
Fluid drainage: Tubes are inserted into the ear wound to drain fluid and reduce pain.
Get wet: To avoid dehydration after surgery, the child should drink enough fluids.
Wound care: Wounds should be treated regularly to avoid infection and to promote healing.
Waste disposal: Waste from surgery is generally evacuated through the mouth or through a waste tube.
Monitoring vital signs: The child is monitored to check his or her heartbeat, his blood pressure and other vital signs.
How long does it take to recover?
Recovery time after surgery for clubfoot, also known as equinovarus, can vary depending on the child in question and the surgical technique used. The correction is generally maintained for 45 days by a pin and a cast placed above the knee. This cast is often needed a few days after the operation to make it more comfortable. Wounds must be treated regularly to avoid infections and promote healing.
The child should be cared for in an orthopedic department for regular monitoring and monitoring of potential complications after surgery. Pain, infections and complications of general or local anesthesia can be postoperative repercussions.
Is it painful ?
Surgery for clubfoot, also known as equinovarus, can be painful, but the pain can usually be eased with pain-relieving medications. The child may have some pain, swelling, and bruising after surgery, but these symptoms usually lessen over time.
What are the advantages of surgery ?
Clubfoot surgery, or equinovarus, corrects the deformity, improves gait and reduces long-term complications. Surgery can allow the child to walk normally and reduce problems related to foot deformity.
Are there any complications associated with the surgery?
Risks associated with clubfoot surgery may include infections, bleeding, joint stiffness, residual asymmetry, recurrent deformity, and anesthesia-related complications. To make an informed decision about surgery, it is important to discuss these risks with an orthopedic surgeon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, clubfoot, also known as equinus varus, is a congenital foot defect that can be diagnosed and treated from birth. There are two main methods for correcting clubfoot: the functional method, which uses physiotherapy manipulations and splints, and surgery, which can sometimes be considered. The benefits of clubfoot surgery include correcting the deformity, improving gait, and reducing long-term complications. However, there are also risks and complications.
To reduce complications and pain, it is essential to care for bots' feet from birth. Orthopedic treatment, including the Ponseti method, is usually more effective than surgery, but in some cases, usually after 9 months of age, surgery may be considered. Clubfoot has no known specific cause, although there may be a hereditary component.