Cavovarus Foot Deformity

A cavovarus foot deformity is a condition in which:

  • The foot has an abnormally high arch (cavus)
  • The heel turns inward (varus)
  • Causes pain and instability over lateral border of foot
  • Usually present in childhood and often affecting both feet
  • Deformity typically worsens over time
  • Frequently requires surgical repair
  • Associated with claw toes and achilles contracture
  • Deformity may be FLEXIBLE or RIGID

The anomaly may also be the result of:

  • Neurological disorders like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
  • Charcot-Marie Tooth disease, a hereditary neuropathy
  • Stroke or spinal injury
  • Spinal tumor
  • Traumatic injury, such as a severe fracture or burn
  • idiopathic

Surgical Procedures:

Cavovarus Foot Deformity Correction

A flexible deformity correction uses bony osteotomies, tendon transfers and a ligament reconstruction to restore the normal alignment and stability to the foot. This may also be accompanied by achilles lengthening and forefoot reconstruction

A rigid deformity may meed a triple arthrodesis

Cavovarus Foot Reconstruction Surgery
Post Operative Instructions

Cast:

  • You will have a dressing on your foot for 2 weeks following surgery
  • A post op aircast will be then worn for 4-6 weeks
  • At 6 weeks, you will wean off the shoe and begin walking in a regular shoe

Wound:

  • The surgical incision has been closed with sutures
  • Do not get the dressing or wound wet for the first two weeks.
  • When showering place a bag over the dressing and secure with tape to your leg to avoid the cast and wound getting wet `
  • Stitches will be removed at your 2 week appointment
  • After the stitches are removed, you may begin to shower after 2-3 days
  • Do not immerse the foot in water (bath, hot tub, pool) for 6 weeks
  • Do not apply any lotions or creams on the wound for 6 weeks

Weight Bearing:

  • You will be non weight bearing for the first 2 weeks while in a splint .
  • You will use a mobility device to offload your foot (crutches, walker, stirrup cast)
  • You wiill begin weight bearing at 4-6 weeks post op depending on wound healing

Medications:

  • Pain medication should be used regularly for the first 24-48 hours, when required for the first 1 to 2 weeks, followed by Regular Tylenol

Driving:

  • For right foot surgery you are not permitted to drive until you have completely weaned off the boot
  • For left foot surgery, please contact your insurance company to see if you are permitted to drive
  • Driving is not permitted while on narcotics

Work:

  • Four to six weeks off from work is recommended for initial recovery
  • If you are able to get to work safely, and will be seated for the majority of the day, you may return to work four to six weeks after surgery.This is assuming you are not taking narcotic pain mediation.
  • From 2-6 weeks sedentary duties is recommended
  • By 6 weeks you can gradually return to full duties
  • If your job is physically demanding, return to full duties is usually possible around 12-16 weeks post operatively

Follow Up:

  • You will have your first appointment 2 weeks after surgery in the Fracture Clinic
  • Your next appointments will be at 6 weeks, 3 months then 6 months post operatively
  • You will have x-rays taken at these appointments

Recovery:

  • It is normal to experience mild to moderate pain, numbness, or tingling for the first 2 weeks following surgery
  • Please come to the emergency department if you are suffering from severe pain
  • You will get back to most of your activities by 6-12 months
  • Swelling often remains for 6-12 months
  • Residual stiffness is a normal consequence of ankle fracture

Physiotherapy: