Description
Idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (ICTEV) is a significant paediatric orthopaedic problem, with a reported incidence of 1 to 2 per 1000 live births in the UK. It is twice as common in boys than in girls and approximately half the cases are bilateral. A polygenic model of inheritance with as yet unidentified environmental factors seems the most likely aetiological explanation. The condition manifests a range of severity from mild self-resolving cases to patients requiring extensive surgery. Comparison of results between series has been impeded by a lack of uniformity in evaluation, both pre- and post-operatively. Management involves splintage, soft tissue and bony surgery. The decision to proceed to surgery, the subsequent surgical approach and the extent of surgery remains topical.
