For babies with clubfoot, the prognosis has never been better. Jessica Burns, MD, orthopedic surgeon, discusses prenatal diagnosis and misconceptions about treatment.
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We have started performing prenatal evaluations for pregnant moms who have received the diagnosis of club foot for their fetus. The best time to refer is as soon as a diagnosis is made on prenatal ultrasound, we communicate frequently with obgyns to be able to optimize the timing and the evaluation of this condition. I think that there are several misconceptions about having a club foot. The first misconception that I hear commonly is that all club foot requires multiple surgeries and that the foot will, will have uh limitations throughout the child's life. And that's definitely not true. A small procedure is done early in life, but surgery is usually not warranted when casting and early treatment is performed. There are many different practitioners that are involved in the care and from the orthopedic surgery side of things, we have many of us that are located all across the valley to be able to take care of this condition. Prognosis is very good in terms of being able to have a fully functional life and participate in any activities that the child would like to. We recently celebrated worldwide Club Foot Day and I received photos from many of my families who I have treated for clubfoot. And to be reminded of how these babies went from having a very severe stiff foot to a pliable mobile foot that allows them to run and jump and play was very rewarding and inspiring.
