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.