Metatarsus adductus is a foot deformity. The bones in the middle of the foot bend in toward the body.
Alternative Names:
Metatarsus varus; Forefoot varus
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Metatarsus adductus is thought to occur as a result of the infant's position inside the uterus.
This is a relatively common disease affecting about one out of every 1,000 to 2,000 live births. Risk factors may include a condition called oligohydramnios in which the mother does not produce enough amniotic fluid in the uterus.
Symptoms:
The front of the foot is bent inward (toward the midline) at the instep.
The back of the foot and the ankles are normal. With a clubfoot, which is a different deformity, the foot will be pointed down and the ankle turned in as well.
Review Date: 9/21/2006
Reviewed By: Jeffrey Kauffman, MD, Sacramento Knee and Sports Medicine, Sacramento, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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