Which foot deformity is characterized by persistent inversion of the foot with malalignment?

Which foot deformity is characterized by persistent inversion of the foot with malalignment?

• A. Clubfoot
• B. Pes planovalgus
• C. Talipes calcaneus
• D. Pes cavus

Answer: (A)

The key idea is recognizing a congenital hindfoot deformity where the foot is persistently turned inward and held in a malaligned position—this is clubfoot, also known as talipes equinovarus. In this condition the hindfoot is in varus (inverted), and the foot often shows forefoot adduction with ankle plantarflexion (equinus). This combination creates a rigid, inverted foot that remains malaligned unless treated. This helps distinguish it from other common deformities. Pes planovalgus involves a flatfoot with hindfoot valgus (heel tilted outward), not inversion. Pes cavus features a high arch (a cavus foot) and forefoot plantarflexion, with variable hindfoot positioning but not the persistent inversion described. Talipes calcaneus is a dorsiflexed (calcaneus) foot deformity, again presenting a different alignment pattern.

The key idea is recognizing a congenital hindfoot deformity where the foot is persistently turned inward and held in a malaligned position—this is clubfoot, also known as talipes equinovarus. In this condition the hindfoot is in varus (inverted), and the foot often shows forefoot adduction with ankle plantarflexion (equinus). This combination creates a rigid, inverted foot that remains malaligned unless treated.

This helps distinguish it from other common deformities. Pes planovalgus involves a flatfoot with hindfoot valgus (heel tilted outward), not inversion. Pes cavus features a high arch (a cavus foot) and forefoot plantarflexion, with variable hindfoot positioning but not the persistent inversion described. Talipes calcaneus is a dorsiflexed (calcaneus) foot deformity, again presenting a different alignment pattern.