Talipes equinovarus, commonly referred to as the "classic" form of clubfoot, derives its name from Latin, where "talus" means ankle and "pes" means foot. The term "equino" suggests that the heel is lifted, resembling a horse's stance, while "varus" indicates the foot is turned inward. In this condition, the foot is sharply inward, making it seem as though the person is walking on the side of their ankle.Clubfoot, also known as congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) or talipes equinovarus (TEV), is a birth defect where the foot is internally rotated at the ankle. This causes the foot to point downward and inward, with the soles facing each other. Half of those affected have both feet afflicted by clubfoot. In individuals with this condition, the tendons on the inner leg are shortened, the bones have unusual shapes, and the tissues are tight. Without treatment, individuals often walk on their ankles or the sides of their feet.According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the USA, about 1 in every 1,000 newborns has clubfoot, with males being twice as likely to be affected as females. The UK's National Health Service (NHS) reports that if a child is born with clubfoot, there is a 1 in 30 chance that a younger sibling will also have the condition.
