Prevalence and risk factors of clubfoot in Al-Baha region - Saudi Arabia
Keywords:
TEV, Clubfoot, Congenital deformity, Consanguinity, Congenital Talipes Equinovarus, Genetic Predisposition, Risk FactorAbstract
Background: Clubfoot, or Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), is a structural defect that occurs early in pregnancy. It affects 1 in 1000 live births and can lead to permanent disability and severe social and economic consequences if untreated. It is more common in boys, with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1, and has a strong association with family inheritance and consanguinity. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of clubfoot and identify associated risk factors in the Al-Baha Region. Methods: The research team analyzed the medical records of patients from the orthopedic clinic at King Fahad Hospital between January 2020 and January 2024. A data sheet, designed by experts and consultants, captured demographic data, defect location, possible risk factors, associated anomalies, and treatment plans. Data analysis was conducted using Chi-square tests through SPSS v28. Results: The study found that 94.1% of patients were male, and 76.5% had bilateral deformities. Nearly half (47.1%) of the patients had parents with consanguineous marriages. Identified risk factors included preeclampsia, oligohydramnios, gestational diabetes, and family history of deformities. No significant correlation was found between maternal drug exposure or infections and clubfoot. Treatment, which primarily involved serial casting and Achilles tenotomy, resulted in 41.2% of patients walking normally post-treatment. Conclusions: This study highlights the prevalence of clubfoot in the Al-Baha region and its association with risk factors, emphasizing the importance of genetic screening, early diagnosis, and public awareness to improve outcomes.
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