Cleft foot, also known as cleft footed, is a rare congenital anomaly where the foot does not develop properly during fetal development. This condition is present at birth and results in specific anatomical differences in the affected foot.
Understanding Cleft Foot
Cleft foot is characterized by a distinctive appearance and structural abnormalities. It is classified as a congenital condition because it is an anomaly that a baby is born with, stemming from issues during the developmental stages in the womb.
Key Characteristics of Cleft Foot
When a baby is born with cleft foot, the affected foot typically displays several unique features:
- Missing Toes: One or more toes may be absent on the affected foot.
- V-shaped Cleft: A notable V-shaped indentation or division is present in the foot, often extending from the ankle area towards the toes.
- Other Anatomical Differences: Beyond the missing toes and V-shaped cleft, there can be various other structural variations and abnormalities in the bones, muscles, and tissues of the foot.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Congenital (present at birth) anomaly due to improper fetal development. |
| Appearance | Foot may have missing toes and a distinctive V-shaped cleft. |
| Structure | Includes other various anatomical differences beyond the cleft and missing toes. |
Rarity of Cleft Foot
Cleft foot is an exceptionally rare condition. Its incidence is very low, affecting fewer than 1 in 1,000,000 babies. This extreme rarity makes it one of the less common birth anomalies.
