Rocker bottom foot

Last revised by Arlene Campos on 21 Aug 2024

A rocker bottom foot (also known as a congenital vertical talus) is a congenital anomaly of the foot. It is characterized by a prominent calcaneus/heel and a convexly rounded sole.

It results from a dorsal and lateral dislocation of the talonavicular joint.

For assessment of the foot alignment abnormalities, it is important to perform weight-bearing images or an equivalent in neonates:

  • fixed equinus: plantarflexion of the calcaneus
  • vertical talus: plantarflexion of the talus (increased talocalcaneal angle)
  • irreducible dorsal subluxation or dislocation of the navicular
  • forefoot valgus: divergence of bases of the metatarsal heads on AP and superimposition of the metatarsal bones on the lateral view
  • long axis of the talus passes plantar to the metatarsal axis on lateral view and medial to the first metatarsal on AP view

The presence of a rocker bottom foot in an antenatal ultrasound scan is sometimes classified as a soft sign for aneuploidic anomalies 3.

In the antenatal/neonatal period consider clubfoot.

In the adult period consider acquired rocker bottom deformity occurring secondary to:

  • underlying neuromuscular disorder(s)
  • diabetic foot (Charcot joint) 2

Cases and figures

  • Case 1
  •  Case 2
  • Case 3
  • Case 4
  • Case 5
  • Case 6

Imaging differential diagnosis

  • Club foot
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