What statement best captures the rationale for removing deforming forces in the feet of children with spina bifida?

• A. Deformities will continue to occur unless deforming forces are removed
• B. Deformities spontaneously improve with growth
• C. Deformities are purely cosmetic and not functionally significant
• D. Deformities only occur after puberty

Answer: (A)

In spina bifida, foot deformities progress because abnormal muscle forces, spasticity, weakness, and uneven weight bearing constantly push the joints and bones into misalignment. If those deforming forces aren’t reduced or redirected, the deformity tends to get worse as the child grows. The idea behind removing deforming forces is to stop the mechanical drivers of the deformity, which can help stabilize or even improve alignment with proper growth and supportive interventions. Growth itself doesn’t reverse established deformities; it can only help if the harmful forces are removed or controlled and the foot is supported so the structures can track more normally. The other ideas— that deformities are purely cosmetic, occur only after puberty, or spontaneously improve with growth—don’t fit the reality of how these deformities develop and progress.