Does Your Child have foot problems related to Spina Bifida?

Discover more about specialized clubfoot treatments for children with spina bifida while we work to enhance the health of your child’s feet and ankles to provide greater comfort and mobility. Make an appointment right now to provide your child with first-rate pediatric orthopaedic care. Our goal is to help you at every stage of the treatment process.

Clubfoot can manifest in various neuromuscular conditions like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and arthrogryposis. Unlike idiopathic clubfoot, those stemming from these conditions exhibit distinct characteristics in their response to treatment. They tend to be more rigid and have a greater likelihood of relapse. Even after correction, ongoing bracing might be necessary to prevent the deformity from recurring throughout the child’s growth period, according to Dr. Qureshi, a pediatric orthopedic specialist.

Ponseti serial casting stands as the initial treatment, following the principle of opting for the least invasive approach for optimal results. Dr. Qureshi consistently applies Ponseti casting principles to address clubfoot deformities, aiming to correct as much of the deformity using casting alone. This approach minimizes the need for extensive surgery by effectively addressing various elements of deformity through casting.

Treating clubfoot in children with spina bifida poses significant challenges. Spina bifida typically results in a paralytic foot deformity, causing profound muscle imbalance as some muscles are completely paralyzed. This muscle imbalance, coupled with the lack of protective sensation in the feet, makes the treatment complex. Avoiding foot-stiffening surgery is crucial to mitigate the risk of future skin pressure problems due to the absence of protective foot sensation.