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Congenital Vertical Talus

Last updated: February 7, 2026 Medically reviewed by: RxHarun Orthopedic Specialist Doctor Reading time: 2 min read

Vertical Talus is a foot deformity that occurs at the time of birth. It is a rare condition that affects the talus, a small bone that is placed between the lower leg bones (fibula and tibia) and the calcaneus (heel bone) to form the ankle joint. This bone acts an important node between the foot and the leg that enables transfer of body weight on to the foot while walking and other physical activities. Congenital Vertical Talus disrupts the formation of the talus bone which in turn displaces the other two bones of the lower leg that then shift on top of the talus. Either one or both the feet may get affected. This condition is also a major cause of Flatfoot formation in newborns. It may lead to serious disability in later life, if left untreated.

Causes

  • Neuromuscular disorders in the baby
  • Spina bifida
  • Neurofibromatosis
  • Arthrogryposis
  • Genetic mutation of a set of genes may be responsible

Symptoms

  • The forefoot tends to point upwards
  • The forefoot may turn up to touch the shin bone
  • Absence of foot arch ( Flatfoot )
  • The base or bottom of the foot may be turned outwards which is why this condition is also referred to as the ‘rocker bottom’
  • Pain is generally not felt
  • Foot may be stiff
  • Abnormal gait
  • Callouses may develop if the child starts walking with this condition

Diagnosis

  • Congenital Vertical Talus may be diagnosed before birth if an ultrasound is performed
  • Detailed clinical examination of the foot to check for the symptoms of deformity and degree of bone deformity
  • X-ray imaging to assess the bone structure
  • Some lab tests may be recommended
  • MRI or CT scan to asses the condition of the surrounding soft tissue structures

Treatment

  • Casting the affected foot in a brace may help correct the deformity in early stages of life
  • Regular stretching and gentle exercises prescribed by a physical therapist may be helpful to restore the correct anatomical shape of the foot and improving its flexibility
  • Surgery may be recommended after the child attains 10-12 months of age, if the conservative treatment fails to give results. It may be done to realign the bones and fasten them using pins and screws
  • The ligaments and tendons may be lengthened surgically to facilitate the movement of the ankle joint
  • The foot may be immobilized in a cast for a couple of weeks post surgery to aid recovery
  • The child is advised to get regular checks done to monitor his/her growth post treatment
  • Special walking boot may be used to improve the condition and prevent reoccurrence

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area later with a custom field named _rx_references.

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Written by Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices. Born and educated in Bangladesh, Dr. Rashid earned his BPT from the University of Dhaka before pursuing postgraduate training internationally. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine at King’s College London, where he developed a special interest in inflammatory arthritis and metabolic bone disease. He then undertook a PhD in Orthopedic Science at the University of Oxford, conducting pioneering research on cytokine signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rashid returned to clinical work with a fellowship in interventional pain management at the Rx University School of Medicine, refining his skills in image-guided joint injections and minimally invasive pain-relief techniques.