Triceps Surae Lengthening in Foot and Ankle Trauma

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Gastrocnemius recession or tendoachilles lengthening procedures – herein grouped as "triceps surae lengthening" procedures –  are advocated as adjunctive by some orthopaedic trauma and foot and ankle surgeons procedures in the treatment of foot and ankle trauma. Proponents suggest that these procedures aid in the restoration of hindfoot and midfoot alignment, facilitate fracture reduction, improve final range of motion, and may decrease the risk of post-traumatic arthritis. These procedures are also associated with surgical complications, loss of strength and fatigue resistance, and may be associated with altered gait mechanics. The prevalence of the use of Gastrocnemius recession or tendoachilles lengthening procedures, as well as the timing of these procedures with regard to injury and weightbearing status, have not been characterized in the orthopaedic trauma and foot and ankle surgical communities. The purpose of this survey is to characterize practice patterns around the use of gastrocnemius recession and tendoachilles lengthening procedures, in the management of foot and ankle trauma.

Audience:  OTA members