Living with a complex foot deformity can be difficult. If structural problems in your foot affect your daily life, it’s helpful to understand the available treatment options. Foot surgeons are specialists trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the foot and ankle. Here are some surgical techniques that can correct misalignments and improve your foot’s structure, helping you regain mobility and comfort:
Osteotomy
An osteotomy is a surgical procedure where a bone is cut and reshaped. Foot surgeons use this technique to realign a bone or move it into a better position. For example, they may correct a bunion or hammertoe by cutting a bone in the foot. Afterward, the surgeon repositions the bone and secures it with hardware such as screws, plates, or wires. These devices keep the bone fragments in place while they heal. The main goal of an osteotomy is to improve the alignment of the foot’s bones, which can fix certain deformities. The specific type of osteotomy depends on the location and severity of the deformity. It may provide the following benefits:
- Corrected structural deformities, restoring proper foot alignment.
- Enhanced mobility and function, allowing for a more active lifestyle.
- Prevents further complications or worsening of the condition over time.
- Improves the aesthetic appearance of the foot.
Fusion
Fusion is a procedure that joins two or more bones together. A foot surgeon will remove the cartilage from the joint surface between the bones. This removal allows the bones to grow together, or fuse, into a single, solid bone. This process permanently immobilizes the joint. Fusion is often performed on joints in the midfoot or hindfoot to correct deformities, such as flat feet or arthritis-related damage. The surgeon uses screws, plates, or rods to hold the bones in the correct position while they heal and fuse. The result is a stable, unified bone structure where a once-mobile joint now exists.
Joint Replacement Surgery
In some cases, a damaged joint causes a foot deformity. Surgeons perform joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, by removing a damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial implant. They most commonly perform this procedure on the big toe joint to treat severe arthritis of the joint. The artificial joint is designed to mimic the motion of a natural, healthy joint, using metal and plastic components. A foot surgeon assesses the condition of the joint to determine if this procedure is suitable for the deformity and its related symptoms.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a procedure used to aid in bone healing. A foot surgeon may use a bone graft during procedures such as fusion or osteotomy. The graft acts as a scaffold, providing a framework for new bone to grow. This technique is proper when there is a gap between bones that needs to be filled or when additional support is needed to help two bones fuse correctly. The graft encourages the body’s natural healing process to repair and rebuild the bone structure.
Schedule a Foot Surgeon Visit
Understanding the surgical options available for complex foot deformities can help you make informed decisions about your health. A surgeon typically provides a thorough evaluation of your specific condition and discusses potential treatment paths. They can explain the details of each procedure and what to expect. If you are dealing with a foot deformity, consulting a specialist is the next step. Contact a clinic today to schedule an appointment with a foot surgeon to discuss your specific needs.
