Which characteristic is typically associated with metatarsus adductus?

Metatarsus adductus is a common foot deformity in infants characterized by the inward curvature of the forefoot, which results in a characteristic "C" shape when viewed from above. One key feature associated with metatarsus adductus is the presence of normal ankle movements. This means that while the forefoot may be adducted (turned inward), the ankle joint itself remains functional and can move freely.

The ability to move the ankle normally is important in differentiating metatarsus adductus from other conditions where limitations in movement might be present, such as structural abnormalities or rigid deformities.

When assessing an infant with this condition, one would find that passive manipulation of the foot can typically realign the forefoot to a neutral position without any resistance or discomfort, reinforcing that the forefoot's position does not affect the ankle joint’s range of motion. This contrasts with more severe conditions where the foot may be rigid, achieving a lateral deviation of the hindfoot, or where manipulation causes significant pain. In those situations, the degree of motion in the ankle or the overall flexibility would be markedly different from that found in metatarsus adductus.