After the final cast is removed, your child will begin wearing a foot abduction orthosis designed to prevent the vertical talus deformity from recurring. Even when well-corrected, vertical talus has a tendency to relapse. It is very important to follow all of your doctor's instructions for bracing and stretching. If your child stops wearing the foot brace, he or she will likely lose correction and require additional casting and/or surgery. It is critical to wear the brace for the prescribed amount of time.
Brace Wearing Schedule
For the first two months, the orthopedic foot brace must be worn for 23 hours a day and then 12 - 14 hours a day (naps and nighttime) for 2 years. You must be consistent with the nighttime brace wear early in the treatment process, since the child will wear the brace only at night when he or she begins to walk.
Stretching
You will be taught stretching exercises for your child's foot that are to be done at every diaper change (at least four times a day) to maintain flexibility. It is important to be consistent with the stretching to maintain correction of the foot.
For more information on the treatment of vertical talus or to make an appointment, please call us at 314.454.KIDS (5437) or 800.678.KIDS (5437).
