FOOT FUSIONS

INTRODUCTION:             

Occasionally it is necessary in children with muscle tightness or weakness to realign the feet.  This is usually done in an effort to place the foot in a more physiological and therefore, functional position.  Occasionally, it is even possible to free the child from brace use.

GOALS

By performing a bony foot fusion or a staple foot fusion, it is usually possible to improve ambulation and minimize brace use.  These procedures place the foot in a more neutral or functional position.

PROCEDURE

Whether the procedure is a triple arthrodesis or a staple fusion, it will take approximately an hour and a half for each foot operated.  Typically, it is done under general anesthesia and requires, one to two nights of post operative hospital care.  Short leg casts are used after the surgery.  The child will remain on a limited weight bearing status for a period of six weeks.

POST OPERATIVE CARE

On discharge to home the child’s feet should be elevated for several days and weight bearing will need to be restricted.  The child may be up for short periods with a walker or a pair of simple shoe inserts.

PHYSICAL THERAPY MANAGEMENT

Resumption of physical therapy can begin within two to four weeks of cast removal.  Rage of motion, stretching and strengthening exercises as well as progressive ambulation are appropriate.