Achilles Tendon Procedure

Maddy was 7.5 weeks old when she had her achilles tendons cut. This had to be done because the tendon were too short and her feet pointed down. Cutting or releasing the tendons allows the foot to come up into the correct position. People have asked if the tendon grows back; our doctor says that it scars back.

Our appointment for this procedure was March 27, 2006 at 9:40 a.m. We arrived a little late, traffic was so bad that day. They hurried us back, our doctor came to to check Maddy's feet and verify that she needed the procedure. Then the nurse and physician's assistant (We like her alot, we make most of Maddy's appointments with her) applied numbing cream to the back of Maddy's ankles then covered it with a type of plastic band-aid. We went to the cafeteria for breakfast at Texas Children's Hospital. (All Maddy's ortho appointments are at Texas Children's Hospital, her doctor is the Chief of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery and Scoliosis and Professor of Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Pediatrics. Very good doctor, highly recommend.) After an hour, we went back to the office and waited some more, then it was time. The nurses had everything set up and ready. Dr. Phillips had already told us we could stay in the room or go out. Both my husband and I wanted to stay, I couldn't leave my baby by herself.

Dr. Phillips injected numbing medicine right under the skin of both ankles. Right after that my husband, Kevin, and I switched place. I stood on the other side of the room and Kevin stood by Maddy. He talked to her and rubbed her head. Dr. Phillips inserted the scalpel and severed the first tendon. Maddy screamed and I felt so sick in my stomach, I didn't want her to be hurting or uncomfortable. Dr. Phillips said that she was screaming not because of pain, but because she was being restrained. During the procedure, the pacifer was dipped in sugar water which seemed to help. The sugar water makes the babies suck their pacifers, and the sucking soothes them. Terry-strips were applied to the incision, then the cast was applied to the first leg. The cast holds the foot in the correct position so the tendon scars back to the proper length. Then the same thing was done to the other leg. As soon as both casts were on I was able to pick Maddy up, and she promptly fell asleep.

Thet told us that Maddy would be fussy that day and probably the next day also. Maddy did really well. She did not seem any more fussy than usual.