For severe cases of pigeon-toed (intoeing) that persist into older childhood and significantly impact walking, surgery may be considered. This procedure involves an orthopedic surgeon carefully cutting the twisted bone and resetting it into the correct position.
When is Surgery Recommended for Intoeing?
Surgery for pigeon-toed is not a common first-line treatment and is typically reserved for specific situations. It is usually considered for:
- Older Children: The primary candidates for surgical intervention are children older than 9 years of age.
- Severe Symptoms: Children who experience severe symptoms that do not improve with other non-surgical treatments.
- Functional Impairment: A key indicator for surgery is when intoeing causes significant difficulty with walking and daily activities.
What Does the Surgery Involve?
The surgical procedure, performed by an orthopedic surgeon, focuses on correcting the underlying bone deformity that causes intoeing. During the operation:
- The surgeon identifies the specific bone that is twisted or misaligned, which is contributing to the inward turn of the feet.
- A precise cut is made in the twisted bone.
- The bone is then carefully repositioned and reset into the proper anatomical alignment.
- This procedure aims to correct the angle of the bone, ensuring the foot points forward correctly.
This intervention helps to improve the child's gait and alleviate difficulties experienced during walking, offering a solution when other treatments have been ineffective. For more comprehensive information, resources like Scottish Rite for Children provide valuable insights into managing pigeon toes.
