Neuromuscular foot deformities in childhood

Foot deformity may occur with muscular imbalance seen in children with a variety of disorders of muscle and peripheral or central neurological problems. Historically, there has been a change in disease pattern with poliomyelitis being replaced by various forms of spina bifida after 1950. Since then, myelomeningocele has become relatively uncommon but there are still a substantial number of children requiring multiple surgical procedures for hereditary neuropathies and other causes of progressive foot deformity. Before starting treatment, the family should be warned that the first operation may be the first stage in a long programme of treatment.