[Motor function in children with clubfoot. A descriptive, controlled study].

The purpose was to assess the motor function and morphological conditions in children with clubfoot compared with children without this deformity. Functional tests, structured interviews and clinical examinations were used. Seven boys with clubfoot treated in neonatally at Herlev Hospital in 1987/88 and fourteen matched children without deformity were included. Balance and plasticity in the ankle joints were reduced as compared with expected age-related level of motor function and to the control group. After physical activity pain in the legs was more frequently reported by the clubfoot children. Muscular dysplasia was seen in all clubfoot legs. Passive movements in affected ankle joints were reduced in plantar flexion, dorsal flexion and eversion. The differences were statistically significant. The conclusion was that motor function in clubfoot children is developed to a lower level than in children without clubfoot.