COTTON OSTEOTOMY

If you suffer from severe or chronic pain related to flat feet, don’t hesitate to Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists.

What is a Cotton Osteotomy?

Foot and Ankle Specialists perform a Cotton Osteotomy procedure to create an arch in a patient suffering from flat feet, otherwise known as fallen arches. A Cotton Osteotomy will change the shape of the foot, giving it more of an arch to fix the associated issues with flat foot. 

First, Foot and Ankle Specialists cut a space into the medial cuneiform, the small bone just behind the big toe joint. They then insert a wedge into the divided section of bone. The surgeons anchor the wedge with screws, and fill in any cracks with a medical grade bone graft. This wedge and bone graft push the top of the foot outward from the medial cuneiform, giving the foot more of an arch. 

After the surgery, physicians will close up the foot and bandage the patient. Patients must wear a cast for some weeks, until their doctor transitions them into a walking boot and possibly physical therapy.

Cotton Osteotomy Procedure

Cotton osteotomy is a surgical procedure performed to correct certain deformities or misalignments in the bones of the foot, particularly in conditions like bunions (hallux valgus). During the procedure, the surgeon carefully cuts and repositions the affected bone to realign it properly. This aims to alleviate pain, improve function, and restore normal alignment of the foot.

Under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes precise incisions near the affected joint to access the bone. They then strategically cut the bone, often near the base of the big toe, and may remove a wedge of bone to correct the alignment. Once the bone is repositioned, the surgeon secures it with screws or pins to stabilize the joint.

Post-surgery, patients typically wear a protective boot or cast to support the foot during healing. Physical therapy may be recommended to regain strength and mobility gradually. Successful recovery from Cotton osteotomy can significantly enhance foot function and alleviate discomfort associated with foot deformities.

Cotton Osteotomy Procedure Benefits

Cotton osteotomy provides significant advantages for patients suffering from foot deformities like bunions (hallux valgus). Surgeons perform precise corrections of bone misalignments, particularly near the base of the big toe. This procedure involves strategic bone cutting and repositioning to restore proper alignment and functionality, effectively reducing pain and discomfort associated with the condition.

Performed under general anesthesia for patient comfort, Cotton osteotomy includes making precise incisions near the affected joint. The bone is carefully reshaped to achieve optimal alignment, often secured with screws or pins to ensure stable healing.

Benefits encompass enhanced foot appearance, improved joint function, and alleviated pressure on surrounding tissues. Patients experience increased mobility and a reduced risk of complications linked to untreated bunions. Cotton osteotomy represents a proactive treatment approach for correcting foot deformities, offering enduring relief and enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by bunions.

Cotton Osteotomy Recovery

Recovering from Cotton osteotomy, a surgical procedure to correct foot deformities like bunions (hallux valgus), involves several key steps to ensure optimal healing and outcomes. Following surgery performed under general anesthesia, patients typically experience initial discomfort and swelling around the surgical site. It’s important to adhere to post-operative care instructions, including keeping the foot elevated and applying ice packs to reduce swelling.

Patients are often fitted with a protective boot or cast to support the foot during the initial healing phase. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovery, focusing on gentle exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility in the foot. These exercises help prevent stiffness and promote proper healing of the bone.

Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon monitor the progress of healing and allow for adjustments to the treatment plan as needed. With proper care and rehabilitation, most patients can expect significant improvement in foot function and relief from the symptoms of bunions.

If you would like to speak to a DFW based Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.