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What is Gastroc soleus recession?

By Lily Fisher

What is Gastroc soleus recession?

Background: Gastrocsoleus recession is commonly performed to correct equinus contracture of the ankle that may accompany foot and ankle disease in adults. There is concern that mechanical lengthening of the myotendinous unit causes permanent weakness and disability.

What is a gastrocnemius recession procedure?

Gastrocnemius recession lengthens the muscles and tendons at the back of the leg, allowing the heel to shift downward into a more natural position. This outpatient procedure is used in the correction of conditions such as flatfoot, chronic Achilles tendonitis, or equinus (commonly called toe walking).

What is the Gastroc soleus complex?

The gastrocnemius and soleus muscles form the triceps surae or gastrocnemius/soleus complex. Both muscles act to flex the ankle and invert the subtalar joint. The gastrocnemius, because it crosses the knee, also acts as a knee flexor.

What happens after Gastroc recession surgery?

Recovery. For the first two weeks after surgery, the patient typically is immobilized in a splint or boot. It is important to keep the ankle in a proper position while the tendon is healing. A cramping feeling in the back of the calf is normal.

What is Gastroc soleus equinus?

It is named after horses (equine) who essentially walk “on their toes.” A gastrocnemius equinus contracture (Figure 1) occurs when tightness in the outer calf muscle (gastrocnemius) leads to limited ankle dorsiflexion (motion through the ankle joint itself).

Is Gastroc recession surgery painful?

Gastrocnemius Recession Recovery Expect the first few days to be painful and to require narcotic pain medications. You’ll be in a boot or similar for several months while the tendon heals properly. You can usually begin touch down weight bearing (touching your foot to the floor) about at 6-12 weeks.

How long does Gastroc recession take?

This is typically a long-acting block that may last 24-48 hours. On rare instances this can last as long as 3 days. This is done for pain control and comfort during and after the procedure.

Where is the Gastroc soleus?

The gastrocnemius is located with the soleus in the posterior (back) compartment of the leg. The lateral head originates from the lateral condyle of the femur, while the medial head originates from the medial condyle of the femur.

How long does Gastroc recession surgery take?

This procedure is typically two hours in length. In gastrocnemius recession (GR), an incision is typically made on the back inside part of the lower leg to expose the gastrocnemius tendon. This is then sutured to the underlying tissue in a newly lengthened position.

What causes Gastroc Equinus?

Causes. Equinus is often it is due to tightness in the Achilles tendon or calf muscles. For some, this may be congenital (present at birth) or an inherited trait. For others, this tightness is acquired and the result of being in a cast or on crutches, or frequently wearing high-heeled shoes.

What is the Silfverskiold test?

The test used to determine Gastrocnemius contracture is the “SILFVERSKIOLD TEST”. It measures the dorsiflexion (DF) of the foot at the ankle joint (AJ) with knee extended & flexed to 90 degrees. The test is considered positive when DF at the AJ is greater with knee flexed than extended.

Can you walk after gastrocnemius recession surgery?

During the procedure, the surgeon will make a small, two to three inch incision in the inner calf, about halfway between the knee and ankle. The muscle is lengthened, and stitched on the inside and on the surface. Patients may walk immediately after the surgery when it is done in isolation.