old pediatric foot surgery

I had surgery on both feet over fifty years ago, at age ten. Recently, a podiatrist looked at an xray of my foot and said that it looked like a wedge had been removed from the middle of my foot. I am curious to know what sort of pediatric condition would have called for such surgery.

I don't recall any problems with my feet prior to surgery, although I did wear orthopedic shoes. After the surgery, I had problems typical for someone with rigid feet.

I had been told that I had Triple Athodesis, but the xray was not consistent with that surgery.

Thanks.

[FootDoc]

If I understand what you mean by a wedge being removed from the middle of the foot, the only thing that comes to mind would be surgery to reduce a cavus deformity of the foot. I would think, though, that you would remember that if it had been done at the age of 10, and you should recall, as well, the need for a triple arthodesis.

I do recall the surgery and being in a hip length cast for awhile after. It is just that I was always told it was a Triple for flat feet. But the recent xray did not confirm that. There were no screws and some of the joints that would have been affected were intact.

This has been a great shock to me. I was told I had flat feet, but both you and the podiatrist who looked at the xray say a wedge removal is more indicative of a cavus deformity. What is the cause of this type of deformity?

Thanks.

[FootDoc]

In general, a cavus deformity is more than likely of hereditary origin, but it can also be the result of congenital or acquired neuologic or neuro-muscular conditions. It would be rather unusual to convert a cavus deformity of a degree which would call for radical surgery to a flat foot. It is curious to hear that one had to be told that he/she has flat feet, as it is routinely evident without a professional opinion, though the determination of the cause and treatment of flat feet would general require a professional.

I'm sorry--I feel I have not been clear. I was told that I had a Triple to correct flat feet. But apparently I really had the wedge surgery. As you and my podiatrist agree, the wedge surgery is for cavus--an abnormally high arch. What I was told appears to be different from what really happened.

Thanks.