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Disease Profile

Metatarsus adductus

Prevalence
Prevalence estimates on Rare Medical Network websites are calculated based on data available from numerous sources, including US and European government statistics, the NIH, Orphanet, and published epidemiologic studies. Rare disease population data is recognized to be highly variable, and based on a wide variety of source data and methodologies, so the prevalence data on this site should be assumed to be estimated and cannot be considered to be absolutely correct.

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Age of onset

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ICD-10

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Inheritance

Autosomal dominant A pathogenic variant in only one gene copy in each cell is sufficient to cause an autosomal dominant disease.

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Autosomal recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of each gene of the chromosome are needed to cause an autosomal recessive disease and observe the mutant phenotype.

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X-linked
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.

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X-linked
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.

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Mitochondrial or multigenic Mitochondrial genetic disorders can be caused by changes (mutations) in either the mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA that lead to dysfunction of the mitochondria and inadequate production of energy.

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Multigenic or multifactor Inheritance involving many factors, of which at least one is genetic but none is of overwhelming importance, as in the causation of a disease by multiple genetic and environmental factors.

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Not applicable

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Summary

Metatarsus adductus is a common foot deformity where the bones of the front of the foot bend or turn in toward the body. It may affect one or both feet. MedlinePlus provides an online image of metatarsus adductus. Newborns with metatarsus adductus may also have a problem called developmental dysplasia of the hip. This can result in the thigh bone slipping out of the hip socket. Metatarsus adductus is believed to be caused by the infant's position inside the womb. Most cases will resolve on their own. If the problem persists, stretching exercises, splints, special shoes, casting, and/or surgery may be needed.[1][2]

Cause

Metatarsus adductus is thought to be caused by the infant's position inside the womb. Babies in the breech position (with the baby's bottom pointed down), those born to first-time mothers, twin or multiple pregnancies, larger babies, and those born to mothers with a low-level of amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) appear to be at a higher risk. There may also be a family history of the condition.[1][2]

Treatment

Most cases (over 90%) of metatarsus adductus will resolve without treatment. When treatment is needed, the type is determined by the flexibility of the foot. Stretching exercises may be used if the foot can be easily moved into the normal position. Splints and shoes may be used for moderate cases, although the benefit of these devices has not been clearly proven. In severe cases, casting may be required. This is best done early in development (before 8 months of age), and involves the use of multiple casts which are changed every 1 to 2 weeks. Surgery, although uncommon, may be used for cases in older children with persistent metatarsus adductus.[1][2]

Learn more

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.

In-Depth Information

  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Metatarsus adductus. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

References

  1. CB Ma. Metatarsus adductus. MedlinePlus. September 8, 2014; https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001601.htm.
  2. TM McKee-Garrett. Lower extremity positional deformations. UpToDate. February 27, 2015;

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