In congenital clubfoot, which muscle is typically the last to weaken?

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Multiple Choice

In congenital clubfoot, which muscle is typically the last to weaken?

Explanation:
In congenital clubfoot, the pattern of muscle weakness tends to unfold with smaller, intrinsic foot muscles and distal evertors/invertors losing strength earlier, while the large plantarflexors stay functional longer. The triceps surae (the calf muscles) are strong, bulky plantarflexors crossing the ankle, so they tend to remain active until late in the course of the deformity. This is why the triceps surae is considered the last to weaken. The other muscle groups—intrinsic foot muscles and the peroneals—are smaller and more directly affected by the abnormal mechanics and disuse that accompany clubfoot, leading to earlier weakness.

In congenital clubfoot, the pattern of muscle weakness tends to unfold with smaller, intrinsic foot muscles and distal evertors/invertors losing strength earlier, while the large plantarflexors stay functional longer. The triceps surae (the calf muscles) are strong, bulky plantarflexors crossing the ankle, so they tend to remain active until late in the course of the deformity. This is why the triceps surae is considered the last to weaken. The other muscle groups—intrinsic foot muscles and the peroneals—are smaller and more directly affected by the abnormal mechanics and disuse that accompany clubfoot, leading to earlier weakness.

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