Are incidence and severity of clubfoot related to the season of birth?

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to determine whether the occurrence of clubfoot follows a seasonal pattern in neonates from eastern and south-eastern China and to speculate the potential etiology of clubfoot.

METHODS

We reviewed 239 neonates with clubfeet during a period of 4 years as well as the monthly neonatal population of the Sixth National Population Census. Seasonal variations in terms of month of birth and severity were analyzed.

RESULTS

The incidence of clubfoot in neonates from eastern and south-eastern China showed seasonal variations, and the incidence was higher in autumn with a reference to the average birth rate in this corresponding area. No significant difference was found in severity of clubfoot.

CONCLUSIONS

This seasonal pattern is of significant value to further understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of clubfoot in the corresponding area of China.