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Osteotomy of the talus is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting deformities of the foot that may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired due to various factors such as injury or disease. The talus is a critical bone in the ankle joint that plays a significant role in foot mechanics and stability. During the procedure, a skin incision is made either on the lateral (outer) or medial (inner) side of the talus to gain access to the bone. Careful dissection is performed to expose the talus while protecting the surrounding structures, including nerves, blood vessels, and tendons, which are vital for foot function. The procedure can involve two types of osteotomies: a closing wedge osteotomy or an opening wedge osteotomy. In a closing wedge osteotomy, a wedge-shaped section of bone is excised from the talus, allowing the remaining bone to be realigned by closing the gap. Conversely, in an opening wedge osteotomy, a wedge is removed from one side of the talus, and the bone is cut on the opposite side to create an opening that is then filled with the removed wedge or additional bone graft material. Fixation with pins or screws is often utilized to ensure that the hindfoot remains properly aligned during the healing process. This procedure is essential for restoring normal foot function and alleviating pain associated with deformities of the talus.
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