Many babies are born with hand and foot deformities that occur as a result of birth trauma, developmental abnormalities, and other factors, causing abnormal positioning and turning of the feet and toes or hands and fingers. While many of these conditions are not necessarily painful, they can affect a child’s development and ability to walk, and require prompt effective treatment.
Dr. Trussler is highly trained and experienced in the surgical correction of these deformities in order to help patients restore the function and appearance of the extremity while still allowing children to grow and develop normally.
What Are My Pediatric Hand And Foot Surgery Options?
Some of the most common hand and foot deformities treated by Dr. Trussler include:
Syndactyly – fingers or toes that are joined at the edges (webbed).
Polydactyly – extra fingers or toes.
Clubfoot/clubhand – inward turning of the hand or foot, resembling the head of a golf club.
Overlapping fingers or toes – tight tendon that causes one finger or toe to pull over or under another one.
Calcaneovalgus – overstretched Achilles tendon that causes the foot to appear flexed outwards and upwards.
Considerations
Nearly any patient with a hand or foot deformity that is of aesthetic or functional concern is a candidate for correctional surgery provided that they are in good general health. Dr. Trussler will determine which type of treatment is right for each patient based on a thorough evaluation of their individual condition.
Expectations
Even when surgery is not an option for the patient, there are still several treatment options available for children with hand or foot deformities. Dr. Trussler works closely with patients and parents in helping to restore the affected hand or foot regardless of the situation.
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery
Treatment for congenital deformities often begins with nonsurgical methods such as manipulation and casting to restore the hand or foot into a normal position and hold it in place as it heals. When these treatments are unsuccessful, surgery may be needed. Surgery for congenital deformities is often performed during the first year of life so that growth and development are not affected. The type of surgery performed depends on the location and severity of the deformity, but can often be done using minimally invasive techniques.
Some of the most common surgical techniques used by Dr. Trussler include skin flaps, skin grafts, reduction and fixation, microsurgical replantation, tendon and nerve repairs and joint replacement. Dr. Trussler may work in conjunction with an orthopedic surgeon to ensure that the treated extremity looks and functions at its highest level.
After Care & Recovery
After surgery to correct a congenital deformity, patients will likely need to undergo physical therapy in order to promote normal extremity function as the child grows. A splint or brace need to be worn for a few weeks to keep the area immobilized. Most cases of deformity correction performed by Dr. Trussler are successful in helping patients regain movement and function of the affected hand or foot.
Whether you have a question or would like to set up a consultation, Dr. Trussler and his staff are here to help. Please fill out our contact form, or call our Austin office at 512-450-1077 to schedule an appointment. Start your journey to not only looking, but feeling better today!
