Webbed toe separation surgery is designed to separate the fused toes for a permanent change to the feet.
Also known as twin toes, tiger toes, turkey toes, and duck toes, webbed toes refers to a condition in which a child is born with the toes fused together. It’s common for the second and third toes to be fused, but this condition can affect other toes.
On occasion, there may be multiple toes fused together. While it’s common for just the soft tissue and skin to be fused, it is possible for the bones to also be connected. At Gotham Footcare in New York City Webbed Toe Separation Surgery is a common operation for this kind of condition.
It’s true that webbed toes do not necessarily affect someone’s ability to walk or other activities. However, while there may be no physical harm, someone’s mental state may be affected by how they are viewed by others, causing them to feel embarrassed or have lower self-esteem.
This is why the biggest benefit of this type of surgery is to allow someone to feel like they look “normal”, and is the main reason someone chooses to have separation surgery. In the rare cases that there is an impaired function in the feet, then webbed toe surgery can provide the best treatment for restoring full function, allowing the toes to be able to move independently.
Anyone of any age can decide to have webbed toe surgery. However, it’s most common in children between the ages of 12 and 18 months, before the foot has time to fully develop.
This can aid with recovery time as well, and an easier adjustment period to the difference in the toes. If you’re interested in you or your child having surgery for webbed toe separation, make sure to call and schedule an appointment for a consultation to make sure there are no problems with eligibility.
The procedure starts with the doctor giving general anesthesia so that you or your child is asleep through the surgery. The surgeon will then mark the toes, usually in a zigzag manner which mimics the incisions that will be made.
This is known as Z-plasty. The surgeon will cut along these marks, splitting the excess skin between the toes and removing it. Once that is done, healthy skin is taken from another part of the body and grafted onto the toes to cover the missing skin. This increases the chances that the body will accept the graft. After this process is complete, the surgeon will bandage the feet and place them in a cast. This will allow the wounds to be able to heal correctly and avoid getting other wounds. The entire procedure takes anywhere from 2 to 5 hours to complete.
After surgery, the foot will remain in the cast or orthopedic shoe for around 3 weeks. This will keep the foot from moving, which will aid in healing. It’s also important to keep the cast dry, so it should be covered during a shower or bath.
After the cast is removed, a splint is placed on the foot, which will continue to protect the toes as they finish recovering. Depending on the severity of the original condition, physical therapy may be needed to restore the full function of the toes. In addition, because of the time spent wearing the cast or orthopedic shoe, there may be a need for some physical therapy to help work out stiff joints after weeks of not moving.
After surgery, the foot will now appear different, particularly as the toes begin to move independently and develop their fine motor muscles. The toes themselves should function normally. If this operation is done on your child, then the toes should be able to grow normally after healing.
If you have been instructed to consult a foot and ankle specialist for your webbed toe separation surgery NYC patients should not hesitate to call us. There is no facility more equipped and ready for your needs than Gotham Footcare. No matter the day or time, for a comprehensive consultation to get you or your child’s treatment started, you can count on Gotham Footcare. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of webbed toe surgery New York City has to offer.
While there may be an extended recovery time due to the possible need for physical therapy due to stiffness from the cast or orthopedic boot, once the healing period has passed, then the toes should be able to move correctly, and walking will not be an issue.
There should be no pain during or directly after the surgery due to anesthesia. Afterward, there is likely to be some mild tenderness, which can be managed with pain medications. Once the cast or orthopedic boot is removed, there is likely to be some aching and stiffness, which will work itself out as the toes continue to heal.
The price varies depending on the extent of the surgery, how many toes require surgery. Your insurance provider should cover some or all of the cost. To find out more, make sure to contact Gotham Footcare for a consultation to get a precise quote.
At Gotham Footcare in NYC, we strive at recognizing your individual needs and desired outcomes while formulating an effective and personalized treatment plan with the highest quality care available.
What sets Gotham Footcare apart from other podiatry offices is our dedication to providing you with the education you need to make well-informed decisions regarding your care. Regardless of what your foot and ankle trouble may be, at Gotham Footcare our team will work tirelessly to help you feel better. At Gotham Footcare, we help you put your best foot forward.
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