Foot Shortening (Foot-Tuck™) Procedure

Procedure

The Foot Tuck ™ is accomplished by small hidden incisions in specific areas in the throughout the foot. Through these small incisions Dr. Lopez is able to contour prominent bony structures affecting the width of the foot and reduce the length of both the heel and toes. Two screws are then utilized to hold the heel bone in its reduced position. Depending on the desired amount of shortening, temporary fixation may be placed in the toes which will later be removed in the office. A cosmetic closure is then utilized on the incision sites to minimize any visible scars. This procedure is performed in an ambulatory setting under general or MAC anesthesia, with a total procedure time of less than 2 hours. Patients can go home the same day and walk with the assistance of crutches, remaining non-bearing weight on the operative side. 

Recovery

After surgery the patient is placed in a splint followed by an air walker for 6-8 weeks. Patients are able to ambulate with crutches however should remain non-weight bearing for approximately 6 weeks. After that the patient will be able to begin partial weight bearing on the operative side as tolerated and transition to normal shoes at around 8 weeks. Due to the reconstructive nature of this procedure mild pain and swelling is expected post operatively however is managed with oral pain medication and elevation of the extremity.