Foot & Ankle Deformity Correction

What is Foot & Ankle Deformity Correction?

Foot and ankle deformity is the structural abnormality caused by misalignment of the bones of the foot and ankle.

The deformity can be:

Congenital (inherited and present from birth)
Acquired (due to injuries, neuro issues, muscular imbalances, infections, etc.)

Foot and Ankle deformity correction is the repair of the abnormality by restoring the normal alignment of the bones in the foot & ankle, surgically or non-surgically.

Indications for Foot & Ankle Deformity Correction

Notable indications for foot and ankle deformity correction can be:

Difficulty walking due to an unusual gait
Problems with balance or signs of disability
Pain in the foot or trouble wearing shoes
Thick, hard skin (callous) and pressure sores
Inflammation of the foot and ankle bones
Pain in the knees, hips, back and head

How to Prepare for the Procedure?

To prepare you for the surgery, your surgeon is likely to:

Check your general health and review your medical conditions through specific tests.
Ask you to stop taking any medications or make changes to the dosage or timings.
Tell you to have a dental check-up and get any problems dealt with to avoid infection.
Advise you to arrange for safe transport home after the surgery.
Recommend that you not eat or drink for a few hours before the operation.

How is Foot & Ankle Deformity Corrected?

Mild deformities can be corrected with non-surgical treatments including physical therapy, orthoses (splints or braces or other artificial external devices), special footwear and medications.

If the deformity is severe, surgery is recommended. The procedure, known as an osteotomy, is performed under general or regional (affecting only the leg or foot) anesthesia.

During the procedure:

A small incision is made at the site and the affected part is accessed.
Extra or unwanted bone wedges and soft tissues are cut and removed.
Bones are realigned, soft tissues are released, and tendons or ligaments are adjusted.
The bones are held in the correct position and stabilized with tiny wires, pins or plates.
The incision is closed with small stitches and a dressing or bandage is applied.

Risks Associated with the Procedure

As with any surgery, deformity correction comes with risks such as:

Infection, swelling or stiffness
Wound hematoma (bleeding)
Problems of healing
Blood clots in the leg
Nerve injury with numbness
Restriction of joint movement
Shortened foot
Development of arthritis later in life
Additional surgery due to non- or mal-union

What Precautions should be Taken as You Recover from the Procedure?

As you recover from the procedure, you may need to:

Carefully follow the postoperative instructions
Provide adequate rest to your foot and ankle
Ensure minimal weight bearing during initial days
Check your progress with your surgeon on a regular basis

Additionally, you may be told to use a splint, cast or a brace along with special shoes for a specific period to ensure a safe recovery and prevent the deformity from returning.