Clubfoot is a condition that is present at birth where one foot or both feet are in a position that points inward and downward. The condition occurs in about 1 in every 1000 births and is more frequent in boys than girls.
While clubfoot can be treated in newborn babies with the Ponseti Method, clubfoot also exists in adults.
A residual deformity is an adult clubfoot that happened in infancy that was treated improperly or not treated at all. There are also cases where a clubfoot-like deformity can happen after a trauma or stroke. The good news is there is technique for adults, which is very successful.
The Ilizarov Method was developed by Professor G.A Ilizarov at the Institute of Kurgan, Siberia in the 1950s and introduced in the United States in the late 1980s.
In the Ilizarov Method, a foot and ankle surgeon placed tension wires (connected to a frame) through the bony structures of the clubfoot to realign the joint surfaces and foot anatomy.
The Ilizarov external fixator, also called the Ilizarov Aparatus, may also be used to stabilize fractures, re-grow lost bone or correct deformities.
The external fixator on the leg is adjusted gradually in the doctor’s office. By doing this, the bone – in the clubfoot - moves into a better position, making it easier to walk.
The external fixator stays on the feet and legs for about 5 months. After the external fixator comes off, then a surgeon, who specializes in Ilizarov surgery, applies a below-knee walking cast for about 2-3 months.
The Ilizarov Method has been advocated as a way of avoiding some drawbacks of other types of surgery, such as the risks of neurovascular injury and soft tissue injury.
Our office sees clubfoot patients of all ages from infants to seniors. Our foot and ankle doctors are experts using the Ilizarov Method and external fixation to fix adult clubfeet with minimal pain.
If you or someone you love is interested in adult clubfoot treatment, a surgeon, who specializes in Ilizarov surgery, can examine your feet and give you the best course of action.
The Limb Lengthening Institute of Los Angeles is a premiere medical group and their experienced surgeons are the only doctors who do adult clubfoot treatment in the Los Angeles area.
The Limb Lengthening Institute of Los Angeles also offers a variety of cosmetic foot surgeries such as….
Please call 626-447-2184 (Arcadia) or 310-551-1711 (Century City) to speak to a foot and ankle specialist about your adult clubfoot treatment and/or other cosmetic foot needs.
