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Metatarsus Adductus

Lee A Mancini, MD, CAQSM, CSCS*D, CSN, Craig A Pille, MD and Angela Rufo, DO Reviewed 06/2022
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Metatarsus adductus (MA) is a rotational lower limb abnormality in which the metatarsals are deviated medially on the cuneiform bone with a neutral hindfoot.

  • Most common congenital fo...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

If not appreciated on newborn or subsequent pediatric exams, parents often notice intoeing (also known as pigeon toeing) within the 1st year of life. 

PHYSICAL EXAM

  • Inspection

    • Medial dev...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Flexible MA

    • 95% of cases resolve spontaneously. As such, no treatment is the mainstay of therapy (7)[B].

    • Treatments for flexible MA include:

      • Stretching: Parents are instructed ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Regular follow-up with pediatrician, orthopedic surgeon, or podiatrist is recommended.

  • Parental reassurance is key as this problem typically resolves within the 1s...

REFERENCES

1
Rerucha  CM, Dickison  C, Baird  DC, et al. Lower extremity abnormalities in children. Am Fam Physician.  2017; 96(4): 226– 233.  [View A...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Berg  EE. A reappraisal of metatarsus adductus and skewfoot. J Bone Joint Surg Am.  1986; 68(8): 1185– 1196.

  • ...

CODES

ICD10

Q66.22 Congenital metatarsus adductus 

SNOMED

  • 23568008 Metatarsus adductus

  • 4852000 Metatarsus varus

  • 99701000119102 Acquired metatarsus adductus

  • 203589007 Acquired forefoot adductus

  • 249810000 Fore...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • MA is the most common newborn foot disorder and the most common cause of intoeing.

  • Special care should be taken to rule out more serious causes of intoeing such as clubfoot and skewfoot...

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