Congenital Vertical Talus
The talus bone makes up the ankle joint, and navicular bone is a small bone found in front of it. Congenital vertical talus is a foot deformity in which the talus and navicular bones of the child’s feet are abnormally positioned.
This leads to a rigid flat foot with a rocker-bottom appearance. The hind foot points downwards to the floor while the forefoot points upwards. There are deep creases on the upper portion of the foot.
The cause of vertical talus is not clear, but has been associated with certain neuromuscular disorders such as arthrogryposis and spina bifida. It may also be caused by the loss of rotation of the foot or muscle imbalance during early fetal development. In both cases, stiffness in the hind foot causes the forefoot to ride on top of the talus and destabilize the entire foot.
If it is left untreated, the vertical talus adapts and becomes more rigid. On weight-bearing, callouses may form on the sole of the foot at the place where the protruding talus bone touches the ground. It can cause pain in the foot which makes wearing shoes difficult and the child starts walking with a “peg-leg gait”.
This condition should be identified and treated early. Non-surgical treatment involves manipulation, casting and physical therapy in order to stretch the foot and increase flexibility. However, surgery is the mainstay treatment for complete correction of the deformity and should be performed between 9 to 12 months of age.
It involves the reduction of the dislocated bones of the foot with the help of pins so they heal in the correct position. Shortened tendons and ligaments as a result of the deformity are lengthened. Your child’s foot is placed in a cast for at least 4 to 6 weeks.
Do you have more questions?
Can congenital vertical talus (CVT) be diagnosed during pregnancy?
Congenital vertical talus (CVT) is typically diagnosed after birth during a physical examination of the newborn’s feet.
Are there any genetic factors associated with congenital vertical talus (CVT)?
While the exact cause of congenital vertical talus (CVT) is not fully understood, there may be genetic factors or familial predispositions involved in its development.
How common is congenital vertical talus (CVT) compared to other congenital foot deformities?
Congenital vertical talus (CVT) is relatively rare compared to other congenital foot deformities, such as clubfoot.
Can congenital vertical talus (CVT) affect both feet simultaneously?
Yes, congenital vertical talus (CVT) can affect both feet simultaneously, although it may be more commonly unilateral.
What are the potential complications associated with congenital vertical talus (CVT)?
Potential complications associated with congenital vertical talus (CVT) include difficulty walking, pain, development of secondary deformities, and impaired foot function.
How is congenital vertical talus (CVT) treated in newborns and infants?
Treatment for congenital vertical talus (CVT) in newborns and infants typically involves conservative measures such as serial casting or stretching exercises to gradually correct the deformity.
What is the success rate of conservative treatment for congenital vertical talus (CVT)?
The success rate of conservative treatment for congenital vertical talus (CVT) varies depending on factors such as the severity of the deformity and the response to treatment, but it can be successful in some cases.
When is surgical intervention recommended for congenital vertical talus (CVT)?
Surgical intervention for congenital vertical talus (CVT) may be recommended if conservative measures fail to correct the deformity or if the condition is severe.
What surgical procedures are performed for congenital vertical talus (CVT)?
Surgical procedures for congenital vertical talus (CVT) may include soft tissue releases, tendon transfers, osteotomies, or fusion procedures to realign the foot and stabilize the ankle joint.
How long does it take for a newborn with congenital vertical talus (CVT) to undergo surgical correction?
The timing of surgical correction for congenital vertical talus (CVT) in newborns depends on factors such as the severity of the deformity, overall health, and response to conservative treatment.
What is the prognosis for children with congenital vertical talus (CVT) who undergo surgical correction?
The prognosis for children with congenital vertical talus (CVT) who undergo surgical correction is generally favorable, with the potential for improved foot alignment, function, and mobility.
Are there any long-term implications of congenital vertical talus (CVT) into adulthood?
While most cases of congenital vertical talus (CVT) can be successfully treated during childhood, some individuals may experience residual foot stiffness, weakness, or arthritis in adulthood.
How does congenital vertical talus (CVT) impact a child’s ability to walk and participate in activities?
Congenital vertical talus (CVT) can impact a child’s ability to walk and participate in activities by causing pain, instability, and difficulty with balance and mobility.
Can congenital vertical talus (CVT) recur after successful treatment?
Recurrence of congenital vertical talus (CVT) after successful treatment is rare but possible, particularly if there are underlying genetic or structural factors predisposing the foot to deformity.
Are there any lifestyle modifications or assistive devices recommended for individuals with congenital vertical talus (CVT)?
Lifestyle modifications or assistive devices such as orthotic inserts, supportive footwear, or physical therapy exercises may be recommended to improve foot function and reduce the risk of complications in individuals with congenital vertical talus (CVT).
How does congenital vertical talus (CVT) affect the development of the foot arch?
Congenital vertical talus (CVT) disrupts the normal development of the foot arch, resulting in a rigid flatfoot deformity characterized by a convex dorsal aspect of the foot.
Are there any non-surgical treatment options available for congenital vertical talus (CVT)?
Non-surgical treatment options for congenital vertical talus (CVT) may include stretching exercises, bracing, or physical therapy to address muscle imbalances and improve foot alignment.
Can congenital vertical talus (CVT) be detected prenatally during ultrasound screening?
Congenital vertical talus (CVT) is not typically detected prenatally during routine ultrasound screening, as the diagnosis is usually made based on physical examination findings after birth.
How does congenital vertical talus (CVT) affect the growth and development of the affected foot?
Congenital vertical talus (CVT) can affect the growth and development of the affected foot by causing abnormal forces on the bones and joints, leading to structural changes and potential functional impairments.
I am Vedant Vaksha, Fellowship trained Spine, Sports and Arthroscopic Surgeon at Complete Orthopedics. I take care of patients with ailments of the neck, back, shoulder, knee, elbow and ankle. I personally approve this content and have written most of it myself.
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