Clubfoot: Congenital Talipes Equinovarus

Area of Science:

• Musculoskeletal imaging
• Pediatric orthopedics

Background:

• Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), or clubfoot, is a prevalent musculoskeletal birth defect affecting 1-2 per 1000 live births.
• CTEV is characterized by midfoot cavus, forefoot adductus, and hindfoot varus and equinus deformities.
• The Ponseti method is the standard treatment for CTEV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of CTEV.
• To review the utility of radiography, ultrasound (US), and MRI in evaluating CTEV.
• To guide radiologists in assessing and managing CTEV.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on CTEV imaging.
• Focus on radiography, US, and MRI applications in CTEV diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring.
• Integration of clinical examination with imaging findings.

Main Results:

• Radiography visualizes bone anatomy and relationships.
• US offers radiation-free assessment of bony and cartilaginous structures, useful for monitoring treatment response.
• MRI provides detailed multiplanar visualization of bones, cartilage, and soft tissues for comprehensive analysis.

Conclusions:

• An integrated approach combining clinical assessment and imaging is crucial for effective CTEV management.
• Radiography, US, and MRI are essential tools for evaluating CTEV.
• Radiologists play a key role in the multidisciplinary management of CTEV.