Fixing Ankle Deformity: Distal Tibial Osteotomy
What Causes Ankle Deformity?
Ankle deformity can exist for many different reasons. It can sometimes be the result of an old fracture that did not heal in the correct position. This is also called a mal-union.
Another reason for ankle deformity is being born with a congenital deformity.
Not everyone’s leg is fully straight. Sometimes this is not much of a problem. But sometimes it can lead to joint and tendon issues in the ankle and foot.
No matter the reason, ankle deformity can limit function and cause pain.
How Do You Know if You Have A Deformed Ankle?
Ankle deformities can vary from being noticeable and obvious to more subtle and not noticeable with the naked eye.
X-rays can help to show these deformities. Sometimes more advanced imaging such as an MRI can be helpful as well.
In those patients that correction is necessary, part of the preparation for surgery involves getting a specific CT scan. The CT Scan images allow the surgeon to create patient-specific guides to correct the ankle deformity.
What is a Distal Tibial Osteotomy?
A Tibial Osteotomy is a cut made in the tibia bone to correct deformity and improve alignment. Hardware is used to position the bone to heal in the correct position.
Before and After X-ray Images of Distal Tibial Osteotomy
Dr. J. Turner Vosseller of JOI has helped to develop and implement patient-specific cutting guides. The cutting guides help surgeons to be more precise with the cut of the tibia bone. This helps the surgeon accurately straightening out the lower leg.
Similar technology allows surgeons to perform Ankle Replacement Surgery with greater accuracy.
Why Would You Need a Distal Tibial Osteotomy?
Tibial deformity can show up in a variety of ways, from very obvious to more subtle. Surgeons sometimes see tibia fractures that have healed crooked with the leg at an odd angle. In this setting we can cut the tibia bone so that the alignment is more straight and corrected.
Subtle deformity can predispose or worsen ankle or foot issues from arthritis to tendon problems.
How Long is Recovery After Lower Tibial Osteotomy? When Can You Walk?
Recovery can vary generally based on individual patient factors. However, most patients may start placing some weight on the leg 6 weeks after surgery. Patients typically use a walker or crutches.
Protected weight-bearing in a boot followed by formal physical therapy occurs over the next 6-8 weeks.
Full healing and return to normal activities can take 4-6 months. Click to learn more about Weight Bearing Status.
Walking during first 6 weeks after DTO
Does a Distal Tibial Osteotomy Hurt?
Some pain is expected after surgery. Patients often spend a night in the hospital. Pain medication is provided to manage the pain. Most patients are off pain medication within a week or two.
Fixing Ankle Deformity
Patient specific-guides for fixing ankle deformity helps Orthopedic Surgeons customize a surgical plan that fits a patient’s specific bone structure and shape. These exciting advances allow for better and more precise outcomes.
This cutting-edge technology is used to help patients with ankle deformity by Dr. J. Turner Vosseller of the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute. Dr. Vosseller is a Board-Certified Fellowship Trained Orthopedic Surgeon with a Specialty in Diagnosing and Treating Foot & Ankle Disorders.
Dr. J. Turner Vosseller
If you have ankle or foot problems, Dr. J. Turner Vosseller and the team at JOI can help. To schedule and appointment, call (904)JOI-2000, schedule online, or click the link below.