Hi, I am an 18-year-old who has rigid flat feet due to a short tendon and possibly a tarsal coalition. I have been through 3 pairs of orthotics (including UCBL's) without any avail. I have been wearing night splints for the past month in an attempt to stretch my tendon, but have had minimal (at best) results. My podiatrist suggested a tendon lengthening and a procedure that would break my heel in order to aleve the pain that I have been having for the last 6 years. Has anyone had this type of procedure? Has it been effective? What was your recovery like? I would appreciate any and all comments, as I am going away to college this fall and don't want this problem following me there! Thanks,
H

Run, do not walk, to get a second opinion. But before you go, be sure to read the posts on this board made by folks who've ACCIDENTALLY fractured their heels. From where I sit, heel breaks sound like a nightmare and after hearing some real horror stories about the recovery, I've told my husband repeatedly I'm grateful I only have two bunion surgeries to deal with. I'd do lots of Internet research, check the posts here and seek another opinion before I agreed to such a radical step at your age. Just my opinion.

twobadfeet

They don't really break your heel bone.. they lengthen it by inserting a bone graft (either from your hip area or from the "bone bank"). This reshapes the bones to form an arch. They then transfer a tendon to help support it, and usually lengthen your achilles tendon.. all in one surgery. All in all it's a VERY complicated procedre and the recovery time is at least 6 months and sometimes longer. I had the procedure done last April, and I'm still not sure if the desired results were achieved. I agree with getting a second opinion. Make ABSOLUTE certain that the doctor has experience with this procedure. You might want to look at some old posts on this board called "Has anyone had a calcaneal osteotomy" and "corrective surgery for flat feet". You may need to go back a few months to find them, or search for them. There are quite a few posts from folks who've had it done. Also you can do an internet search. the procedure is called "lateral column lengthening" or "Evans Osteotomy". Keep us posted