To correct the club foot the lower part of the tibia is grasped by one
hand with the index and middle fingers resting on the inner aspect of
the tibia just above the medial malleolus where the markers are. The thumb
rests on the lateral aspect of the head of the talus (T). The heel is
not touched.
The other hand grasps the forefoot and midfoot in slight supination.
Gradual correction is obtained by abducting the foot in supination while
counterpressure on the head of the talus stabilizes the bone against the
rotation in the ankle mortice.
The clubfoot will be corrected when the navicular completely covers
the head of the talus, (the dots on the head of the talus and on the navicular
coincide), and the anterior tuberosity of the calcaneus is disengaged
from its position under the talus.
When the calcaneus abducts with the foot, it simultaneously extends
and everts to its normal position under the talus; thus the heel varus
is corrected. Complete correction of the club foot requires severe abduction
of the midfoot and forefoot to stretch the tight medial tarsal ligaments.
ERRORS in the manipulation of the congenital clubfoot can easily be
demonstrated.
Club Foot Model
Anatomical Club Foot Model, an invaluable training
aid for consultants and physiotherapists to practice manipulations and
to gain a better understanding of the biomechanics of the foot. Also
extremely useful as a tool for explaining the condition and treatment
to parents.
