Reconstructive Foot Surgery

Reconstructive foot surgery facilitates to correct birth defects, diseases and other foot ailments that can greatly benefit patients’ medical and aesthetic needs. It is often recommended when conservative treatments fail to resolve the symptoms. It is a good choice in permanently treating various foot disorders.

The risks, complications and side effects of foot reconstruction surgery include:

• Adverse reaction to anaesthesia
• Hematoma (blood clot)
• Infection
• Partial or complete loss of the flap or graft
• Pressure sores
• Clots in the arteries and veins

• Small wounds with living soft tissue can be treated medically.
• Open wounds with dead soft tissue and/or bone often require surgical debridement (removal of foreign bodies/ damaged/ infected/ dead tissue and bone from wounds).
• Once all dead tissue is removed, skin grafts or flaps may aid in wound healing.
• Depending on the depth of the defect and extent, the flap type is decided.
• Three kinds of flaps could be considered based on the use of skin, muscle and bone during reconstruction:
  • Fasciocutaneous flap: tissue flaps that include skin and the underlying tissues
  • Musculocutaneous flap: includes skin, underlying tissue, fat, and muscle along with rich blood supply
  • Osteocutaneous flap: bone-containing flap with elements of skin, underlying tissue and with blood supply
• Tendon transfers, tendon release and tendon lengthening procedures are also performed to restore anatomy and function.
• Amputation may be required if reconstruction is not recommended or when function can be improved by the use of prosthetics.

Recovery time depends on the extent and type of reconstructive surgery. The patient may require complete bed rest for two to three weeks, after which they can start walking slowly with or without support.

The leg should stay elevated for the first two weeks and may be in a cast. Stitches may be removed after 10 to 14 days. It is not advised to apply weight on the operated foot for six to eight weeks.

Around 12 weeks after surgery, patients may be able to wear normal shoes with or without a foot or ankle brace. Complete recovery can take up to a year depending on the surgery performed.

Regular follow-up and physical therapy may be necessary.