Question 1

Is the tenotomy  performed under local or general anaesthetic?

cancss · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Will my baby need more than one tenotomy?

cancss · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Should I be in the room for the tenotomy?

cancss · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Will the tenotomy hurt my child?

cancss · Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

Should I give pain medication before or after the tenotomy?

cancss · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What should I watch for after?

cancss · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

How can I prepare for it?

cancss · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Is there an alternative to a tenotomy?

cancss · Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Do all babies need a tenotomy?

cancss · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

How can I best comfort my baby?

cancss · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

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

cancss · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

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

cancss · Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

What is a tenotomy?

cancss · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Will my baby bleed from the surgical site?

cancss · Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

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

cancss · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

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

cancss · Accepted Answer

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.

Tenotomi SSS

Tenotomi lokal mi yoksa genel anestezi altında mı yapılır?

Bebeğimin birden fazla tenotomiye ihtiyacı olacak mı?

Tenotomi için odada olmalı mıyım?

Tenotomi çocuğuma zarar verir mi?

Tenotomiden önce mi sonra mı ağrı kesici vermeliyim?

Sonrasında nelere dikkat etmeliyim?

Bunun için nasıl hazırlanabilirim?

Tenotomiye bir alternatif var mı?

Tüm bebeklerin tenotomiye ihtiyacı var mı?

Bebeğimi en iyi nasıl rahatlatabilirim?

Alçıda kan görüyorum. Ne yapmalıyım?

Tenotomiden sonra bebeğimin alçı takması ne kadar sürer?

Tenotomi nedir?

Bebeğim ameliyat yerinden kanar mı?

Son alçı çıkarıldıktan sonra tenotomi ne zaman yapılır?

Tenotomi alçısı kayarsa ve doktora hemen ulaşamazsam ne yapmalıyım?

Aradığınız cevabı bulamadınız mı?