Is the tenotomy performed under local or general anaesthetic?

The majority of tenotomies are done under local anesthetic as recommended. The procedure is short and anesthetic poses its own risks, as well children are more distressed by not eating or drinking prior to anesthetic.

Will my baby need more than one tenotomy?

Most children only need one tenotomy, but each child’s situation is different and will have a custom needs assessment and treatment plan prescribed by their healthcare provider.

Should I be in the room for the tenotomy?

The decision to be in the room for the tenotomy should be discussed with your doctor, where you can agree on the best approach for your child and if you feel comfortable watching this little procedure. During the procedure you are there to be a calming support to your child.

Will the tenotomy hurt my child?

Babies will cry during the procedure, mostly because they do not like being restrained, and are easily comforted after the procedure.

Should I give pain medication before or after the tenotomy?

You can give your child the recommended dose of pain medication, such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol/Paracetamol) an hour prior to the procedure if they are having local anesthetic.

What should I watch for after?

Watch for bleeding throughout the cast (a small spot of blood at the start is normal, but watch that it doesn’t continue to grow in size), and swelling or purple discolouration of the toes.

How can I prepare for it?

Have infant pain medication on hand for after the procedure and be prepared to soothe and comfort your child throughout the day/evening that follows.

Is there an alternative to a tenotomy?

Botox is being used in a small number of cases in lieu of a tenotomy. It is not recommended in the Ponseti Method.

Do all babies need a tenotomy?

All cases are different and not all need a tenotomy. The majority of clubfoot babies require a tenotomy. Your doctor will make a plan with you for your child’s individual case.

How can I best comfort my baby?

You know your baby best; however they typically like to be comforted will also be your best bet after the tenotomy. For the first day or two after the surgery, pain medication can be used as directed on the box. Many babies will want cuddles and extra nursing sessions throughout this period.

I see blood on the cast. What should I do?

If the spot of blood continues to grow past the first day or is leaking through the cast, you must see a doctor immediately. Consider going to emergency to have the cast removed and bleeding stopped. If this is necessary contact your doctor to have the cast reapplied. It should not be reapplied by anyone other than your practitioner.

How long does my baby need to wear a cast after the tenotomy?

Ponseti Method recommends that the casts are worn for three weeks after the tenotomy.

It is a small incision in the heel that cuts the Achilles' tendon. A tenotomy is necessary to ensure appropriate dorsiflexion in the foot. Most clubfoot babies are born with shorter and tighter Achilles’ tendons, and the tenotomy allows the tendon to be severed and regrown. Sutures are not needed.

Will my baby bleed from the surgical site?

There is a small amount of bleeding at the surgical site.

When is the tenotomy done after the last cast is removed?

The tenotomy is typically performed the day the final stretching cast is removed. After the tenotomy is performed, the final cast will be placed and will remain on for three weeks to allow the Achilles tendon to completely heal. Your doctor should be able to give you advanced notice that at the next appointment you may have a tenotomy done.

What do I do if the tenotomy cast slips and I can't get a hold of the doctor right away?

Always remove a slipped cast and contact your doctor immediately. Your child can be recasted. Leaving a slipped cast WILL create further complications. Recasting only adds a bit of time to treatment.

Συχνές ερωτήσεις για τενοτομή

Η τενοτομή γίνεται με τοπική ή γενική αναισθησία;

Θα χρειαστεί το μωρό μου περισσότερες από μία τενοτομές;

Πρέπει να είμαι στο δωμάτιο για την τενοτομή;

Η τενοτομή θα βλάψει το παιδί μου;

Πρέπει να δίνω παυσίπονα πριν ή μετά την τενοτομή;

Τι να προσέξω μετά;

Πώς μπορώ να προετοιμαστώ για αυτό;

Υπάρχει εναλλακτική λύση στην τενοτομή;

Χρειάζονται όλα τα μωρά τενοτομή;

Πώς μπορώ να παρηγορήσω καλύτερα το μωρό μου;

Βλέπω αίμα στο γύψο. Τι πρέπει να κάνω?

Πόσο καιρό χρειάζεται το μωρό μου να φοράει γύψο μετά την τενοτομή;

Τι είναι η τενοτομή;

Θα αιμορραγεί το μωρό μου από το σημείο της χειρουργικής επέμβασης;

Πότε γίνεται η τενοτομή μετά την αφαίρεση του τελευταίου γύψου;

Τι μπορώ να κάνω εάν ο γύψος τενοτομής γλιστρήσει και δεν μπορώ να πάρω αμέσως τον γιατρό;

Δεν βρήκατε την απάντηση που ψάχνατε;