What is gastrocnemius recession surgery?
This outpatient procedure is used in the correction of conditions such as flatfoot, chronic Achilles tendonitis, or equinus (commonly called toe walking). Gastrocnemius recession lengthens the muscles and tendons at the back of the leg, allowing the heel to shift downward into a more natural position.
How long does a gastrocnemius recession surgery take?
About the Surgery The outpatient procedure takes approximately one hour and is performed under general anesthesia. A small incision (approximately 1/2 inch) is made on the inside area of the lower leg and the gastrocnemius tendon is exposed.
What is gastrocnemius recession eg Strayer procedure?
A gastrocnemius recession, or Strayer Procedure, is an operation designed to release the gastrocnemius muscle as a means of restoring it to a more normal anatomical length that promotes healthier gait, stance, and function of the foot and ankle.
Can you walk after gastrocnemius recession surgery?
During the procedure, the surgeon will make a small, two to three inch incision in the inner calf, about halfway between the knee and ankle. The muscle is lengthened, and stitched on the inside and on the surface. Patients may walk immediately after the surgery when it is done in isolation.
Is Gastroc recession surgery painful?
Expect the first few days to be painful and to require narcotic pain medications. You’ll be in a boot or similar for several months while the tendon heals properly. You can usually begin touch down weight bearing (touching your foot to the floor) about at 6-12 weeks.
What happens after Gastroc recession surgery?
After surgery you will be placed in a CAM boot. You may put weight onto your foot as soon as the anesthesia has worn off. You will also be given a night splint which you will wear every night. The purpose of the night splint is to keep your calf stretched when you sleep.
What is vulpius procedure?
The Vulpius procedure is a simple and effective method for the release of gastrocnemius and is particularly indicated when long periods of immobilisation of the foot and ankle are not desirable.
What happens after Gastroc recession?
Risks and Complications After a gastroc release, some patients experience nerve injury that results in irritation or numbness over the outside of the heel. This usually is temporary. In addition, some patients may notice a difference in the appearance of one calf compared to the other and temporary calf weakness.
Is gastrocnemius recession painful?
Background: Gastrocnemius recession is performed to correct an isolated gastrocnemius equinus contracture of the ankle that may accompany foot and ankle pathology in the adult. It has been proposed that this equinus deformity leads to excessive strain throughout the foot, thus causing pain.
What is equinus deformity of foot?
When the ankle joint lacks flexibility and upward, toes-to-shin movement of the foot (dorsiflexion) is limited, the condition is called equinus. Equinus is a result of tightness in the Achilles tendon or calf muscles (the soleus muscle and/or gastrocnemius muscle) and it may be either congenital or acquired.
What is gastrocnemius muscle?
Gastrocnemius: This muscle is just under your skin at the back of the lower leg. Because the gastrocnemius is close to the skin’s surface, you can often see its outline. It forms the bulk of your calf muscle.
What causes gastrocnemius recession?
Abstract. Background: Gastrocnemius recession is a surgical technique commonly performed on individuals who suffer from symptoms related to the restricted ankle dorsiflexion that results when tight superficial posterior compartment musculature causes an equinus contracture.
What causes gastrocnemius equinus?
Causes. Equinus is often it is due to tightness in the Achilles tendon or calf muscles. For some, this may be congenital (present at birth) or an inherited trait. For others, this tightness is acquired and the result of being in a cast or on crutches, or frequently wearing high-heeled shoes.
What is gastrocnemius equinus contracture?
A gastrocnemius equinus contracture (Figure 1) occurs when tightness in the outer calf muscle (gastrocnemius) leads to limited ankle dorsiflexion (motion through the ankle joint itself).
Why is the gastrocnemius important?
The gastrocnemius muscle is an important mover of your lower leg and is responsible for normal walking and running actions. The gastrocnemius joins the soleus to form the Achilles tendon, the large tendon that attaches to your heel bone.
How is equinus deformity treated?
Depending on the cause of the deformity, a surgeon may recommend an Achilles tendon lengthening or a gastrocnemius recession to help with the stretching of the tendons and muscles of the calf. Bone spurs or other bone blocking range of motion may be removed in order to help flex the ankle.
Can equinus be cured?
In some cases, surgery may be needed to correct the cause of equinus if it is related to a tight tendon or a bone blocking the ankle motion. The foot and ankle surgeon will determine the type of procedure that is best suited to the individual patient.
What causes gastrocnemius contracture?
Two main causes of gastrocnemius contracture have been considered: 1) congenital deformities in pediatric patients, such as limb-length discrepancy, cerebral palsy, flatfoot, and clubfoot; and 2) secondary conditions such as immobilization for trauma or a nonfunctional limb.
What bone is the gastrocnemius attached to?
gastrocnemius muscle, also called leg triceps, large posterior muscle of the calf of the leg. It originates at the back of the femur (thighbone) and patella (kneecap) and, joining the soleus (another muscle of the calf), is attached to the Achilles tendon at the heel.