A genetic defect characterized by an abnormal development of the foot. There are over 150,000 cases in the United States.
A deformity of one or both feet in which the patient caanot stand with the sole of the foot flat on the ground. In the most common variety (talipes equinovarus) the foot is twisted downward and inward so that the patient walks on the outer edge of the upper surface of his foot. Other varieties are talipes varus, in which the sole of the foot is turned inward, and talipes valgus, in which it is twisted outward. The defect is present at birth and can be corrected by orthopedic splinting in the early months of infancy. It may also occur as a complication of muscular paralysis due to poliomyelitis.