Snapshot A newborn boy is evaluated for a foot deformity. He was born at 37 weeks gestation via a spontaneous vaginal delivery. The mother's pregnancy has been uneventful and she has been taking her prenatal vitamins. On physical exam, the patient's right foot is slightly smaller than the left. The foot is plantar flexed, medially swung, and has an inward facing sole. Preparations are made to perform serial casting via the Ponseti method. Introduction Clinical definition developmental foot deformity characterized by plantar flexion of one or both feet medially swung forefoot inward facing sole Epidemiology demographics more common in male fetuses Etiology and pathogenesis idiopathic intrinsic causes e.g., fetal onset neurologic or muscular disease extrinsic causes e.g., uterine cavity abnormalities Prognosis about half the cases can be nonoperatively treated Presentation Physical exam the foot is plantar flexed (can be both feet) forefoot is medially swung soles are inward facing heel can't go flat on a surface Imaging Radiography indication can provide a baseline before and after surgical correction of the foot imaging is not typically required Studies Making the diagnosis a clinical diagnosis Differential Metatarsus adductus distinguishing factor most common congenital foot abnormality on physical exam there is medial deviation of the forefoot while the hindfoot is in a normal position a "C" shaped concavity is formed Treatment Conservative serial manipulation and casting (Ponseti method) indication a corrective modality to address the foot deformity Operative orthopedic surgery indication in patients refractory to conservative treatment Complications Disability Complications secondary to surgical treatment e.g., infections