Club Foot Surgery

About Club Foot Surgery

Club foot surgery treats congenital talipes equinovarus, a birth condition in which one or both feet are turned inward and downward due to shortened tendons and abnormal alignment of the foot bones. Most cases are now managed initially with the Ponseti method, a non-surgical approach using serial gentle manipulation and casting over several weeks to gradually correct the foot's position, often followed by a minor procedure to release a tight Achilles tendon. Surgery becomes necessary when correction through casting is incomplete, when the deformity is resistant or relapses, or in older children whose club foot was not treated early, and can range from a limited tendon release or transfer to more extensive bone and joint procedures to realign the foot structurally. The specific operation depends on the child's age, the severity of the deformity, and which tissues are contributing to the abnormal position. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and the foot is typically immobilized in a cast afterward to protect the correction while it heals. Indian pediatric orthopedic centers manage club foot through both Ponseti-based protocols and surgical correction for resistant or neglected cases. Long-term follow-up with bracing and monitoring is usually needed as the child grows.