At our first ultrasound (20 weeks), the tech suspected bilateral clubfeet on our little boy. Although I was born with a left clubfoot, we did not expect this diagnosis. However, after reading up about current treatments/outcomes, we are very optimistic.
Yesterday we had our follow-up appointment with the maternal-fetal specialist. The intent was to determine if the club feet were diagnosed correctly, and to look for any other issues. It was a great appointment; we got about 1½ hours of ultrasound time with our little one (referred to as “The Hulk” from here on out)…he was quite active with the ultrasound tech, and very uncooperative when she was trying to get measurements (imagine that!!). We got to see everything: spine, legs, arms, head, feet, hands, even his face! After about 45 minutes the doctor/specialist came in and looked over the tech’s work and then performed her own ultrasound for another 30-40 minutes. By this time my stomach was quite tired of the constant probing, but at least The Hulk had settled down so the doc could get all follow up measurements she needed. The clubfeet are still there (honestly now… where would they have gone?), but everything else looked fine. The spine was very straight of a normal length and the legs and arms are measuring fine, so there is no evidence at this time that any genetic disorder is causing the club feet. Lehr and I will be seeing a pediatric orthopedist (hopefully) in the next month, to start discussing treatment once The Hulk makes his appearance. Another positive note, the specialist wants to have an ultrasound every 4-weeks to make sure growth is on-track, so we will be able to spend a lot more time with our little one before the rest of the world meets him. This is great news for me because I keep telling Lehr how anxious I get after the ultrasounds – I just want this kid to get here already!
We got an updated ultrasound photo of The Hulk; it’s another profile shot, but this time he has his hands in front of his face, and his knee is close to touching his nose (he’s already practicing yoga!).
Also, below are a few links to a few web sites Lehr and I have found useful – they explain the doctor’s method we hope to follow (Dr. Ponseti), and the condition itself. (Some of you have had some specific questions for us – thought this might help.)
Ponseti Treatment
