"Clubfoot" Problem Seen in One in Every 1,000 Babies

One in every thousand newborns is born with clubfoot (pes equinovarus). Children treated for this condition by Prof. Dr. Salih Marangoz, Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist at Acıbadem Atakent Hospital, and their families gathered at a World Pes Equinovarus (PEV) Day event held at Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital. Children happily followed the characters in the children's play titled "Get Well Soon," and later enjoyed music performed by the event's special guest Orhan Osman (Buzuki Orhan). The artist performed music reminiscent of sounds in the womb, which he had created for colicky babies, also for children with PEV.

Older Siblings and Sisters First Accompanied the Puppet Theater

Dozens of children who, thanks to their treatment, could "walk properly" and moreover run and play comfortably, their families, a children's theater team prepared to give them a good time, and a clown in colorful clothes and oversized shoes spinning a ball around... Some of the children at the event, which resembled a festive gathering, were only a few months old, but they first accompanied their older siblings to the puppet theater and then enjoyed music by Buzuki Orhan that recalled sounds in the womb. Their parents directed their questions to Prof. Dr. Salih Marangoz, who had treated their children, following the event.

For a Certain Period, Described as Special Shoes with Rods

While clubfoot was previously thought to be related to body positioning in the womb (compression), this view is no longer valid. "This is not an inherited condition, but certain genetic factors in the child are thought to cause this type of problem. This condition can be diagnosed by perinatologists through detailed ultrasound imaging performed from approximately the 16th week of pregnancy," said Prof. Dr. Salih Marangoz, Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist at Acıbadem Atakent Hospital, noting that even if not detected during pregnancy, the condition can be diagnosed immediately after birth. Prof. Dr. Salih Marangoz provided the following information about the treatment process: "Once diagnosed, parents contact us. When it comes to treatment, we gradually correct the foot deformity through weekly stretching and casting. After reaching a certain stage, we complete the correction with a minor surgical procedure. To prevent the problem from recurring after this correction, we provide them with an "orthosis"—which can be described as a special shoe with rods worn for a certain period. The orthosis is worn day and night for three months. After three months, the duration is reduced and the child continues to use it for decreasing periods until age 4-5."

Do Not Fear Pes Equinovarus

"Among us today are expectant mothers waiting for babies with PEV," said Prof. Dr. Salih Marangoz, pointing to children running around happily, emphasizing that with timely and correct intervention even the most hopeless cases can return to normal, and calling on expectant mothers not to fear PEV.