Epidemiology and genetic theories in the etiology of congenital talipes equinovarus

The exact genetic mechanism of inheritance of congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) has been extensively investigated using family studies and other epidemiological methods, but to date no conclusive result has been reached. This may be due to the presence of a number of inheritance patterns, a number of different etiologies presenting as the same morphological condition, or complex gene-environment interactions. Indeed, a number of epidemiological factors have also been implicated in the etiology. While epidemiological studies can suggest inheritance patterns, only by identification of specific genes, can inheritance patterns be proven. This article reviews the epidemiological work on the etiology of CTEV and discusses some of the epidemiological principles involved.