Metatarsus adductus

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Metatarsus adductus

Metatarsus adductus

Alternative Names:

Metatarsus varus; Forefoot varus
Treatment:

Treatment depends on the severity of the deformity. Most children with metatarsus adductus can correct the deformity with normal use of their feet as they develop. These cases do not require any treatment.

For children who cannot do this, but who have an affected foot that can be easily manipulated to normal positioning, stretching exercises are all that is needed.

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Rarely, this disease causes a rigid deformity that cannot be corrected with simple manipulation. In these cases, casting and even surgery may be required. Other diagnoses may need to be considered in these children. A pediatric orthopaedic surgeon should be involved in treating more severe deformities.

Expectations (prognosis):

Prognosis is excellent with nearly all patients attaining a normal appearing, fully functional foot.

Complications:

Developmental dislocation of the hip may be associated with a small number of infants with metatarsus adductus.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you are concerned about the appearance or flexibility of your infant's feet.