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Gastrocnemius Recession/Lengthening

 

Why is this surgery recommended?

  • A tight gastrocnemius (calf muscle) will cause the toes to point down and limit a child’s ability to lower their heel when walking

  • Surgery is done to
    • Improve the ability to lift the foot upwards from the ankle (dorsiflexion) when it is limited by a tight or spastic gastrocnemius (calf muscle)
    • Improve a heel-toe pattern during walking
    • Improve a child’s ability to wear their braces

What happens during the surgery?

Your child's surgeon will make a cut in the middle part of the calf.
The muscle is then lengthened to improve range of motion.

Diagram showing the back of the lower leg with the gastrocnemius (calf) muscle (foot pointing downwards) 


Diagram showing the back of the lower leg with the gastrocnemius (calf) muscle (foot flat)
(Illustrations by Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare)
SOURCE: Gastrocnemius Recession/Lengthening ( )
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