UNFO

The Universal Neonatal Foot Orthosis (UNFO) is a revolutionary, child-friendly corrective foot brace that provides effective, safe, and stress-free treatment for Metatarsus Adductus (MTA) (also known as Metatarsus Varus and Forefoot Adduction) in newborns. UNFO addresses the difficulties and stresses of traditional treatment methods such as serial casting by providing a less invasive, safer method for treating MTA.

Congenital Foot Deformity: Metatarsus Adductus

What is it

The Bleck classification system is the generally accepted method of assessing the severity of metatarsus adductus. MTA is divided into three grades of severity, depending on the relation of the heel bisector line and the toes. Further classification is based on manual flexibility. 

Bleck classification system:

• Normal: heel bisector line crosses between the second and third toes.
• Mild: heel bisector line passes through the third toe.
• Moderate: heel bisector line crosses between the third and fourth toes.
• Severe: heel bisector line crosses between the fourth and fifth toes.

Manual flexibility:

• Flexible: passively overcorrects the deformity.
• Partially flexible: passively corrects to the neutral position.
• Rigid: no passive correction is possible.

Diagnosis

Metatarsus Adductus (MTA) is a congenital foot deformity prevalent among newly born babies. Untreated, it can lead to permanent physical deformity and long-term complications including aesthetic problems, difficulty wearing shoes, degenerative joint changes and chronic pain.

MTA occurs in approximately 7% of births. When one sibling has a deformity, the incidence increases to 12%.

Metatarsus adductus deformity causes the front half of the foot to turn inward, causing a C-shaped foot with a curved outer border. This is due to an off-centre deviation at the tarsometatarsal joints of the midfoot (the cuneiform bones rotate medially and the metatarsal bones deviate medially), causing the forefoot to adduct and supinate while the heel or hindfoot remains in a neutral or in slightly valgus position. 

While the cause of this condition is unknown, the foetus’ position in utero and family history are known to be contributing factors.

MTA Severity

MILD – 20%  – non self corrected

MODERATE – 60%  – non self corrected

SEVERE – 100% – non self corrected

Treatment Options

The goal of treatment is to straighten the forefoot and heel of the infant as early as possible. Traditional treatment methods include stretching exercises, strapping, serial casting and orthoses. Surgery is generally reserved for those cases unresponsive to conservative treatments. 

There are several clinical factors to consider when determining if treatment should begin and includes such factors as the natural history of the deformity including the likelihood of it persisting without treatment.

View our Treatment Guidelines for Professionals

Features of the UNFO

Components of the UNFO foot brace include:

A rigid plastic insert to support the foot.

The insert is covered by a soft thermoplastic material to prevent pressure area.

The strap has two major functions:

• To stabilize the heel in the heel cage, and the whole foot in the brace, which ensures that the foot remains securely fixed in the brace.

A circular adjustable strap that immobilizes the foot in the brace.

Fixed over the medial wall of the brace, the Velcro strap (which features a wide and soft cushion for comfort) can be adjusted by the treating physician as the treatment progresses.

• To apply corrective pressures on the mid-foot for adequate realignment of the foot.

The UNFO brace is available in two sizes and two colours and can be ordered as a pair, or individually for the left or right foot. The UNFO brace is generally suitable for infants up to 10 months of age. 

• Size 7-9cm (foot length)
• Size 8-10cm (foot length)
• Colours: Pink, Blue
• Side: Pair, Left, Right.

Clinical Research

Parents can be assured by the proven success of UNFO therapy in clinical trials published in leading medical journals.

Universal neonatal foot orthotics—a novel treatment of infantile metatarsus adductus

Novel device for nonsurgical correction of rigid forefoot adduction in children

Metatarsus varus adductus (MTA): effectiveness of treatment with UNFO braces

Why Choose UNFO Therapy

• Suitable for babies up to approximately 10 months of age
• Does not delay the development of the baby
• Allows the baby to move and maintain full range of motion
• Allows for checking of the baby’s skin integrity
• Allows the baby to be bathed without restrictions
• Gentle, comfortable care for the baby
• Easy for the family to manage at home
• Effective treatment confirmed by clinical studies
• Spares the physical and social discomfort associated with plaster casts