Calcaneal (Heel) Osteotomy

Calcaneal or heel osteotomy operation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure where the heel bone (calcaneus) is cut and repositioned to correct deformities or misalignments. This procedure is often indicated when there are abnormal arch conditions, such as high or low arches, that affect the overall foot function. It is most often performed on patients with conditions like flatfoot, where the arch of the foot collapses, leading to pain, instability, and difficulty with mobility.

The repair process for a calcaneal osteotomy involves cutting and repositioning the heel bone to correct alignment.
The goal of performing a calcaneal osteotomy is to realign the bone, relieve pain, reduce pressure on certain parts of the foot, and reduce the risk of developing arthritis in the foot joints over time. The technique chosen will depend on the patient’s specific needs, and the four primary types of osteotomies; Evans, Dwyer, Medializing, and Lateralizing.

The Evans osteotomy corrects the flatfoot by lengthening the outside edge of the foot, while the Dwyer osteotomy focuses on lowering the height of abnormally high arches. Medializing osteotomy is used for restoring fallen arches, and Lateralizing osteotomy corrects high arches by shifting the heel bone outward.

Advanced stages of foot conditions requiring calcaneal osteotomy often present with persistent heel pain that limits daily activities and worsens with weight-bearing. Obvious deformities, such as a collapsing arch or a rigidly high arch, often accompanied by visible misalignment of the foot and ankle. Instability and imbalance, making walking or standing difficult, may also be present. Arthritis may also develop due to prolonged misalignment and joint stress.

A calcaneal osteotomy is recommended for individual who meet certain criteria and exhibit specific foot conditions. Eligible candidates include those with:

• Flatfoot deformity or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.
• High arches (cavus foot) causing pain or instability.
• Misalignment leading to walking difficulties.
• Chronic heel pain.
• Failed non-surgical treatment, when physical therapy or orthotics don’t work.

While a calcaneal osteotomy offers significant relief from discomfort and improves mobility, it’s essential to consult your doctor to ensure it’s the right option for you. Non-surgical treatments like rest, ice, immobilization, NSAIDs, or physiotherapy should be tried first as they may provide adequate relief.

It is usually combined with other reconstructive procedures to address multiple issues within the foot. This could involve procedures to correct soft tissue abnormalities, tendon dysfunction, or joint degeneration in addition to bone realignment. Typically, patients will be given general anaesthesia and depending on the complexity of the surgery, local anesthesia may be used to provide additional pain relief. A calcaneal osteotomy surgery takes about 1 to 2 hours.

After the calcaneal osteotomy surgery, pain relief medication will be provided and you’ll need to keep your foot elevated to manage the swelling. After the anaesthesia wears off, a physiotherapist will guide you in starting to move around. You’ll be restricted from putting weight on your operated foot for up to 6 weeks, and the physiotherapist will also show you how to safely go up and down stairs during recovery.

• It is important not to drive until your consultant get your consultant’s approval
• Make sure that you take  your prescribed pain medication.
• Make sure that you keep your foot elevated and apply ice pack to the operation area reduce swelling.
• Avoid putting weight on the operated foot and keep your cast dry.
• After 10 to 14 days, you might need to return to the hospital to have your cast replaced (only applies to special conditions when cast is being used)
• After 6 weeks, your cast will be removed (in the event that cast is being used) and an X-ray will be taken to check healing, and it is deemed that you completed the first phase of your recover, you may be advised to start exercising with your foot in the form of a  weight-bearing in a cast boot.
• Full recovery can take 3 to 6 months, with swelling persisting for up to a year.

Turkey stands out as a world leader in the medical field, providing advanced treatments across various specialties. Turkey offers several distinct advantages making it a top destination for patients seeking calcaneal osteotomy surgery. The country’s blend of rich history, modern infrastructure, and medical expertise ensures an unparalleled experience. Here’s why choosing Turkey might be the best decision:

• Highly qualified orthopaedic specialists with extensive experience in foot and ankle surgery.
  • State-of-the-art healthcare facilities offering precision surgical options and follow international standards for safety and precision.
  • Patients benefit from personalized aftercare and rehabilitation plans that ensure faster recovery.
  • Affordable prices, allowing you to access top-tier medical services without the high costs.
  • Complete recovery services, with access to rehabilitation and physiotherapy.

Choosing the right clinic for your surgery requires careful consideration especially in the midst of aggressive marketing campaigns and social media advertisements. It can be difficult to discern which clinic truly meets your needs. So, what should guide your decision-making process? You should consider a clinic that:

• provides honest medical advice, free from commercial influences
• builds a strong relationship with the patient, understands their concerns and is able to manage their expectations.
• prioritizes the well-being and safety of the patient above all else.

Consider these factors when estimating costs to ensure that you’re getting a fair price:

• The reputation and standing of the clinic.
• The complexity of the procedure and surgical factors involved.
• The credentials of the surgeon and the quality of the aftercare services.
• Clear clinical liability terms, presented transparently and in accordance with the law.

Although lower prices may attract patients to seek surgery abroad, prioritizing cost over quality could result in long-term issues that end up being more expensive. At Prospero Medical, we follow a transparent pricing policy, providing a clearly laid-out guideline for each service component with a  full framework of the treatment program. Our aim is to offer a realistic price that matches the high-quality care an experience our surgeons and staff bring, as well as the comprehensive aftercare services we provide.