Our professionally trained surgeons at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital are always ready to treat patients using the newest techniques and equipment in order to help them regain their health.
Due to bone or ligament deformities at birth or after damaging the tendons, people may suffer from a condition known as flat feet. Most of the time, their daily lives aren’t impaired in any way, but in more severe cases, patients may encounter trouble during the most basic of activities. In those instances, they may require corrective surgery.
The foot is the ending portion of the leg, comprised of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Its primary goal is to allow normal locomotion. In some cases, either because of an abnormality from birth or damage to the tendons and ligaments, people develop a condition known as flat feet. This condition is characterized by the collapsing of the arches of the foot. Because of this, the sole is in complete contact with the ground. This can negatively affect weight distribution and cause pain or hinder the patient’s movements.
Foot reconstructive surgery is comprised of several different procedures done in order to correct this postural deformity.
The anesthesiologist puts the patient under general anesthesia. After this, the doctor can begin the surgery.
Depending on the problem, he may perform different procedures to help the patient.
The most common ones are tibialis posterior tendon reconstruction and calcaneal osteotomy. They are usually performed at the same time.
The first one aims to replace the damaged tendons in the foot. The surgeon makes three incisions near the affected area, and with specialized tools, he cuts and takes out the damaged tendon. After this, he replaces it with another one, usually taken from the calf.
Calcaneal osteotomy involves making an incision at the heel of the patient and cutting a part of the heel bone to reposition it. Metal screws are used to keep it in place. After these procedures are done, the doctor closes the wounds and stitches them.
There are a number of ways in which this surgery can help a patient:
- The patient will be relieved of the pain in the feet and back
- The patient will be able to walk and run normally
- The level of comfort in the patient’s life will be significantly higher
- Patient’s feet will not tire so easily anymore
Since these procedures require the replacement of the tendons and repositioning of the bone, the recovery time will be a relatively long one. The foot will be placed in a cast and, depending on the patient’s ability, they can leave the hospital the same day as the surgery or remain overnight in order to be monitored. In the first two weeks, the patient should avoid moving too much and should lay down with his foot elevated. After this period, his stitches will be removed and his cast will be replaced. He should also attend physical therapy. After approximately two months, the cast will be removed and the patient will be given an insole or brace so he can walk without crutches. After 3 months, the patient may wear his shoes normally. Even though many activities can be performed by patients, strenuous ones should always be avoided.
There are low-risk chances attached to these procedures. Infections, bleeding and nerve damage are possible. In rare cases, the bone can heal improperly and cause further discomfort or other complications.