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Does Bilateral Clubfoot Cause Short Stature?

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Posted on Thu, 6 Nov 2014
Question: My 16 yr old son is on the short side 5'6". He has bilateral clubfoot. Could this cause his shortness? Statistically will he grow more at his age ?
Is there any way to determine whether he is done growing? I am 5'7" and my husband is 6'2" , my youngest son (13) is already 5'10".
A few years ago we did have a wrist xray to determine his growth potential and he was considered almost 2 years behind for his age.
Obviously he is very sensitive about his height and is asking about growth treatments.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
He needs endocrinological evaluation

Detailed Answer:
Hi...I understand your and his concerns. Club foot might have been a reason for decreased stature. But IRS not the only reason. He is short when compared to close family members. He needs evaluation by an endocrinologist as growth hormone therapy is not simple and associated with complications too as his age is 16 already.

I have a few questions for you -
1. Did any of his parents grew up taller after 16 years... Am asking because there's a condition called late bloomers...Wherein kids grow taller late.
2. Any other family or relatives are short?
3. Was his club foot corrected or not...if so when and how does he walk?

Kindly get back with answers and I will be glad to help.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (2 days later)
Hello,

Thank you for your answer.

I was able to find out that his father progressed normally. Not sure if that helps. He did not have any large growth spurts or such. My son's uncle (father's side) is also 6'2" and his son (cousin) is 16 and 6' tall and his sister is 19' and 5'9".

My grandmother (mother's side) was 4'11", my Mom is 5'6" and my daughter is 5'4" My 3 brothers range from 5'10-6'. All had a progressive growth rate.
My youngest son tends to have growth spurts 3" and 4" at one time (at least it seems)

My son had casts on both his clubfeet within hours of his birth. Did that for 7 months then he had surgery. His left is corrected to 95% while his right is maybe 90%. He was put back in casts until 11 months when they were taken off. He started walking immediately. At 5 years old surgery was unsuccessfully done on his right foot again. Nothing since then. His right leg is definitely weaker as he has a hard time supporting himself on only that leg (he is a wrestler). However, except for a funny gaited run , not while he is walking , no one can notice he has clubfoot. He is very athletic. He did have problems this summer when we backpacked thru Yellowstone Park. We hike about 7 miles a day and his feet hurt him. Hardly ever complains.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi.... I feel his average height is appropriate when compared to the heights if father's side and mother's side relatives. But at the same time....I suggest you seek the professional help of a pediatric endocrinologist as there are certain issues to be taken into account when growth hormone is being considered. But as a professional I wouldn't recommend it now.

Please get back if you have any doubts regarding this.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Sumanth Amperayani

Pediatrician, Pulmonology

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 8339 Questions

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Does Bilateral Clubfoot Cause Short Stature?

Brief Answer: He needs endocrinological evaluation Detailed Answer: Hi...I understand your and his concerns. Club foot might have been a reason for decreased stature. But IRS not the only reason. He is short when compared to close family members. He needs evaluation by an endocrinologist as growth hormone therapy is not simple and associated with complications too as his age is 16 already. I have a few questions for you - 1. Did any of his parents grew up taller after 16 years... Am asking because there's a condition called late bloomers...Wherein kids grow taller late. 2. Any other family or relatives are short? 3. Was his club foot corrected or not...if so when and how does he walk? Kindly get back with answers and I will be glad to help. Regards - Dr. Sumanth