What Is Gordon's Syndrome?

If your baby was born with clubfoot, they may also have a rare genetic disorder called Gordon's Syndrome. The condition is characterized by stiffness and impaired mobility in the ankles because the tendons in the foot are too short, causing the joints to become fixed in a permanent flexed position. Both feet are usually affected  with this disorder.
The exact cause of Gordon's Syndrome is unknown, but some reports suggest it may be inherited through an X-linked dominant manner. Most experts agree it is inherited through an autosomal dominant manner. Having just one mutated copy of the gene in each cell is enough to create the signs and symptoms of the disease. When a person with the autosomal dominant condition has children, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated copy of the gene.
Gordon's Syndrome may also present as a permanent fixation of several fingers in a bent position and cleft palate. In males scoliosis or undescended testicles may be present. The child's intelligence is not affected by the disease. The wrists, elbows, and knees can also be affected and the severity of the condition can range from individual.
Your child may have an abnormal splitting of the soft hanging tissue at the back of the throat, short stature, dislocation of the hip, abnormal backward curvature of the upper spine, drooping of the eyelids, webbing of the fingers and toes, abnormal skin patterns on the feet and hands, and a short webbed neck.
Prompt treatment after birth is crucial in treating this disorder as your child will have difficulties walking and developing. Typically podiatrists will prescribe casting, bracing, or physical therapy to realign the bones before recommending surgery.
Reference: Rare Diseases
If you have a foot deformity, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Foot Deformity Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

Does Your Child Have A Clubfoot?

Clubfoot, one of the most common birth deformities, occurs in 1 out of every 1,000 live births and is when the foot turns inward and downward. It is congenital and may be passed down through families in some cases. Risk factors include a family history and being male.

The condition can range from mild and flexible to severe and rigid. Each case of clubfoot may appear different from child to child. It may also be difficult to place the foot in the correct position. The calf muscle and foot may also be smaller than normal.
The deformity is often diagnosed right after birth, when a foot x-ray may be performed to view the extent of the disorder. Often the problem is a very tight Achilles tendon, and a simple procedure can be done to release it.
Treatment should be started as early as possible, ideally right after birth when it is easiest to reshape the foot. The best method of treating clubfoot is moving the foot into the correct position and casting the limb to hold it in place. Recasting and gentle stretching will be done every week to improve the position of the foot. 5 to 10 casts are typically needed, with the final cast left on for 3 weeks. After the foot is in the correct position the child will wear a special brace all day for 3 months, then at night and during naps for up to 3 years.
Severe cases of clubfoot will require further surgery to correct the deformity if conservative treatments do not work or if the problem returns. A small number of defects may not be completely fixed and treatment will only improve the appearance and function of the foot. These cases are usually associated with other birth disorders. The child should be monitored by a podiatric physician until the foot is fully grown. Most cases are resolved with conservative treatment and the outcome is excellent.
If your child is being treated for clubfoot, call your podiatrist if you see any of the following:

• The toes swell, bleed, or change color under the cast. 
• The cast is causing the child pain.
• The toes disappear into the cast.
• The cast slides off.
• The foot begins to turn in again after treatment.

For more information about clubfoot, visit our website, or make an appointment in our Glastonbury or Middletown locations.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Foot Deformity Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.