A newborn has both feet in a fixed rocker-bottom posture: the hindfoot is in equinus while the forefoot is abducted and dorsiflexed, with a convex plantar surface. Passive correction is not possible. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A Positional calcaneovalgus foot
- B Congenital vertical talus ✓
- C Congenital talipes equinovarus
- D Metatarsus adductus
Correct answer: B. Congenital vertical talus
Explanation
Congenital vertical talus produces a rigid rocker-bottom foot with hindfoot equinus combined with forefoot abduction and dorsiflexion, because the talus points plantarward and the navicular is dislocated dorsally onto the talar neck. It is fixed and requires surgical reduction. Positional calcaneovalgus looks similar but is flexible, hyperdorsiflexed with a valgus hindfoot, and resolves spontaneously, while CTEV has forefoot adduction and supination.
Reference: Tachdjian's Pediatric Orthopaedics, 5th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.