Metatarsus adductus: Development of a non‐surgical treatment pathway

Metatarsus adductus ( MA ) occurs in one to two cases per 1000 births and is the most common congenital foot deformity in newborns. The appearance is that of a curved or adducted forefoot with a normal hindfoot. A systematic literature review was conducted to answer the following question: For a child who presents with MA , what is the most evidence‐based conservative treatment option? Thirteen articles were reviewed using the N ational H ealth and M edical R esearch C ouncil levels of evidence and guidelines for clinical practice. Conservative treatment options reported on included the following: no treatment, stretching, splinting, serial casting, sitting and sleeping positions and footwear/orthotics. There was strong evidence supporting no treatment in the case of flexible MA . Some limited evidence was found for the treatment of semi‐rigid MA . Clinicians should use these recommendations together with clinical experience when advising parents on treatment of MA .