What is a calcaneal osteotomy?

A calcaneal osteotomy is a controlled break of the heel bone (calcaneus) to move the heel bone to achieve a different orientation. It can correct many different deformities and functional limitations.  For example, abnormally high or low arches are defined as deformities and can be corrected with a calcaneal osteotomy. The goal is to relieve pain, improve alignment and walking, and reduce the likelihood of arthritis. 

You are probably having one to correct a high arch or a flat foot so I will concentrate on these procedures. They have names but I won't go into them because I'm pretty sure there will not be a test prior to surgery.

In an osteotomy the heel is broken to allow it to be lined up to correct the problem. It is then screwed together in the correct position. 
If you have high arches you will often have a lateralizing osteotomy where the heel is cut and moved towards the outside of the foot to reduce the arch and improve alignment so the foot doesn't supinate (lean outwards) or an outside wedge may be removed to realign the foot. For fallen arches the heel bone may be moved towards the inside of the foot to help restore the arch.

Most incisions are made on the outside edge of your foot - there may be one or two.  A lateral incision is made in the back of the heel and angled toward the ground. Sometimes the incision is made  more parallel with the ground and closer to the middle of the foot. The incision goes down to the outside part of the calcaneus, and a saw is used to make the cut in the bone.

Once cut the bone is moved to the desired location and fixed in place, most often with screws.

After the procedure you will be placed in a splint or boot. Depending on your surgeon’s preference, the splint may be changed to a cast at the one- or two-week follow-up. You will have to keep weight off your foot - be non-weight bearing- for four to six weeks. Then the fun of  progressive weight bearing can usually start.