Metatarsus Adductus
Basics
Description
- Metatarsus adductus (MA) is rotational lower limb abnormality and a common pediatric foot deformity in which the metatarsals are deviated medially on the cuneiform bone.
- MA is thought to be acquired in utero due to positioning and results in intoeing.
- It is commonly referred to as being “pigeon toed.”
- Classified as being flexible, semiflexible, or rigid
- Flexible MA is the most common form of MA and resolves spontaneously in 95% of cases.
- Cases of flexible MA that do not resolve spontaneously or cases of semiflexible/rigid MA may require serial casting or surgery.
Epidemiology
Incidence
- MA occurs in 1 to 2 children per 1,000 live births.
- Left foot affected more frequently than right
- More common in males
Etiology and Pathophysiology
- Etiology of MA is not yet fully understood; most commonly attributed to increased intrauterine pressure, supported by increased incidence in twin gestation
- Small association with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), approximately 2% of cases (1)[C]
- Osseous abnormality or abnormal muscle attachments have also been proposed as possible etiologies.
Genetics
- No known genetic link in most cases of MA
- One case study of MA in brothers with Aarskog-Scott syndrome
- Higher incidence if sibling has MA
Risk Factors
- First pregnancy
- Twin gestation
- Oligohydramnios
General Prevention
No known preventative measures for MA
Commonly Associated Conditions
- There is a small association with DDH, likely related to intrauterine pressure.
- One study found that 29–35% of patients undergoing surgery for hallux valgus deformity (bunion) have MA.
- Hammertoe, medial tibial torsion, and torticollis have been associated with MA, but no long-term studies have confirmed this.
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Citation
Domino, Frank J., et al., editors. "Metatarsus Adductus." 5-Minute Clinical Consult, 33rd ed., Wolters Kluwer, 2025. Medicine Central, im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/1688456/2.0/Metatarsus_Adductus.
Metatarsus Adductus. In: Domino FJF, Baldor RAR, Golding JJ, et al, eds. 5-Minute Clinical Consult. Wolters Kluwer; 2025. https://im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/1688456/2.0/Metatarsus_Adductus. Accessed October 3, 2024.
Metatarsus Adductus. (2025). In Domino, F. J., Baldor, R. A., Golding, J., & Stephens, M. B. (Eds.), 5-Minute Clinical Consult (33rd ed.). Wolters Kluwer. https://im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/1688456/2.0/Metatarsus_Adductus
Metatarsus Adductus [Internet]. In: Domino FJF, Baldor RAR, Golding JJ, Stephens MBM, editors. 5-Minute Clinical Consult. Wolters Kluwer; 2025. [cited 2024 October 03]. Available from: https://im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/1688456/2.0/Metatarsus_Adductus.
* Article titles in AMA citation format should be in sentence-case
TY - ELEC
T1 - Metatarsus Adductus
ID - 1688456
ED - Domino,Frank J,
ED - Baldor,Robert A,
ED - Golding,Jeremy,
ED - Stephens,Mark B,
BT - 5-Minute Clinical Consult, Updating
UR - https://im.unboundmedicine.com/medicine/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/1688456/2.0/Metatarsus_Adductus
PB - Wolters Kluwer
ET - 33
DB - Medicine Central
DP - Unbound Medicine
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