Cavovarus Foot Correction Surgery

Cavovarus refers to a foot with a high arch and inward-turning heel, often leading to calluses and ankle instability. Some causes of cavovarus include club foot, nerve disease or an injury. When traditional methods have proven insufficient, Dr Alexander provides correction surgery to realign the foot.

What is cavovarus foot correction surgery?

Cavovarus foot correction surgery includes a range of techniques to help alleviate pain and foot alignment issues, including tendon transfer, bone surgery and soft tissue surgery. Dr Alexander will first assess and X-ray your foot or feet and ask questions about your medical history before determining the best treatment method. In some cases, several techniques may be applied. The ultimate goal is to restore mobility and eliminate discomfort.

When is cavovarus foot correction surgery necessary?

Not all cases of high arches and inward heels require correction surgery - it is only if your function and mobility are impacted and if you experience consistent orthopaedic pain. Surgery is also necessary when traditional treatments like physiotherapy or shoe changes have been ineffective.

However, if you have cavovarus feet, it's essential to get a proper diagnosis and examination, even if you are not experiencing any issues, to assess for potential fractures, ankle weakness and other future issues.

How is cavovarus foot correction surgery performed?

Cavovarus foot correction is a surgical procedure that realigns the foot arch and heel to restore mobility and stability to the foot. You will be placed under general anaesthesia during the procedure and receive local anaesthesia in your foot or feet. Then, Dr Alexander may perform one or more surgical techniques:

• Tendon transfer: This procedure allows Dr Alexander to lengthen tendons that are overpulled or provide more strength to the side of the foot.
• Soft-tissue surgery: This procedure involves releasing a tight tendon on the inside of the ankle or in the Achilles to alleviate a tight calf. It is often combined with a tendon transfer to allow more leeway.
• Bone surgery: If soft-tissue surgery is not enough to alleviate the issue, Dr Alexander may remove pieces of bone or perform a bone fusion to lengthen the foot and ease the arch, either in the midfoot or heel.

After the surgery, Dr Alexander will stitch any wounds and dress your feet in bandages and casts to help them recover.

Recovery after cavovarus foot correction surgery

After the procedure, you will not be able to place any weight on your feet. You will need someone to drive you home and assist you for the next 6 weeks while your wounds recover. In total, recovery time can take up to a year. Dr Alexander will do regular check-ins and X-rays to monitor your progress.