Performed by Dr. Venkat Ram Thyalapalli at Dr Venkatram Thyalapalli
Congenital vertical talus is a rare foot condition present at birth where the talus bone is positioned vertically, causing a rigid rocker-bottom flatfoot. Surgical correction involves repositioning the talus, lengthening tight tendons, and sometimes using pins to hold the bones in the corrected position while they heal. Dr Venkatram Thyalapalli treats this condition through careful surgical realignment tailored to each child's anatomy.
We believe in honest, upfront disclosure so you can make an informed decision.
A step-by-step look at what happens during this procedure.
The child is given general anaesthesia so they remain asleep and comfortable throughout the procedure.
An incision is made on the inner or outer side of the foot, or sometimes both, to access the bones and soft tissues.
Tight tendons and ligaments are carefully lengthened or released to allow the foot bones to move into a more normal position.
The talus bone is repositioned from its vertical orientation, and other foot bones are adjusted to restore a more typical arch.
Temporary pins or wires may be inserted to hold the bones in place, and the incisions are closed with sutures. A cast is applied to protect the correction.
A structured, patient-first approach from first consultation to full recovery.
Dr Venkatram Thyalapalli assesses each child with clinical examination and imaging to understand the specific anatomy and plan the correction technique.
The procedure is tailored to the degree of deformity, the tightness of soft tissues, and the child's age, ensuring the correction addresses their unique needs.
After surgery, the child is monitored for pain control, wound healing, and proper cast fit, with adjustments made as necessary.
Regular follow-up visits track bone healing, foot function, and growth, with additional interventions arranged if needed to maintain correction.
What to expect at each stage of your recovery journey.
The child remains in a cast with pins in place. Pain is managed with medication, and the foot must be kept elevated and dry. Weight-bearing is typically not allowed during this phase.
After pin removal, the child continues in a cast or transitions to a removable brace or special shoes. Gradual weight-bearing may begin under guidance. Physical therapy or exercises may be introduced.
As healing progresses, the child increases activity levels with continued use of supportive footwear or bracing. Regular follow-up ensures the foot maintains its corrected position as the child grows. Individual timelines vary, and clinical instructions take priority.
The procedure aims to reposition the talus and create a more typical foot arch, improving the appearance and function of the foot.
Surgical correction may allow the child to walk more normally and wear regular shoes, though some stiffness or limitation in ankle motion can remain.
Some children may experience recurrence of the deformity or develop other foot issues as they grow, requiring additional procedures or ongoing bracing.
While correction improves alignment, the foot may not function exactly like a typical foot, and long-term monitoring is often necessary.
The right choice depends on your diagnosis, risks and circumstances — discussed with you at your consultation.
A series of casts applied over weeks or months to gradually stretch tissues and reposition the foot. This is often attempted first, especially in very young infants, though it is less successful for true congenital vertical talus than for other foot conditions.
In rare cases where the deformity is mild or the child has other medical conditions, close monitoring with special shoes or braces may be chosen instead of immediate surgery. The choice depends on the severity, the child's overall health, and the family's circumstances.
Let's clear up some of the most common myths about congenital vertical talus correction.
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Consult Venkat Ram Thyalapalli for Congenital Vertical Talus Correction at any of these 2 centres — pick the one nearest you.
