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Management of Complex Clubfoot: Challenges and Solutions

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Clubfoot and Vertical Talus

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Abstract

Clubfoot is one of the most common genetic birth defects affecting 1 in 1000 children in the world. Most isolated clubfeet will achieve full correction with the traditional Ponseti method. Complex clubfoot is a subset of clubfeet that is often iatrogenic and a result of flawed manipulations and casting occurring in isolated clubfeet. Complex clubfoot is difficult to treat due to the inherent complexities created. Historically, these clubfeet have resulted in extensive surgical interventions leading to potential long term complications. The modified Ponseti casting technique was developed to address these difficult feet. With the use of the modified Ponseti casting technique, these feet can be successfully corrected without the need for extensive surgery. It is imperative that these feet are identified early and the proper adjustments are made to the casting technique to avoid further deformations and complications. This chapter defines and reviews the characteristics that make up complex clubfoot and outlines the modified treatment protocols including relapse and long-term management.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Southern California Foot and Ankle Specialists, Ladera Ranch, CA, USA

    Nitza N. Rodriguez & Robert J. Spencer

  2. Paley Institute, St. Mary’s Medical Center, West Palm Beach, FL, USA

    Matthew B. Dobbs

Authors
  1. Nitza N. Rodriguez
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  2. Robert J. Spencer
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  3. Matthew B. Dobbs
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Paley Institute, St. Mary's Medical Center, West Palm Beach, FL, USA

    Matthew B. Dobbs

  2. Children's Orthopedic Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

    Ashok N. Johari

  3. Podiatric Surgery/Orthopedics, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, CA, USA

    Mitzi L. Williams

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Rodriguez, N.N., Spencer, R.J., Dobbs, M.B. (2023). Management of Complex Clubfoot: Challenges and Solutions. In: Dobbs, M.B., Johari, A.N., Williams, M.L. (eds) Clubfoot and Vertical Talus. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-34788-7_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-34788-7_6

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-34788-7

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