Foot and Ankle
Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery (Keyhole Bunion Surgery)
Minimally invasive bunion surgery is a surgical procedure to treat the foot condition called hallux valgus (a bunion). A bunion is a deformity of the foot due to an abnormal bone growth or soft tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe. This procedure entails a few small incisions around the bunion and through these incisions, specially-designed instruments are inserted to remove any abnormal bone growth, ligament, and tendon around the big toe joint. Once this bone and tissue are removed, the big toe joint can be realigned. The purpose of this procedure is to relieve pain in the foot, correct the deformity and to realign the joint.
Total Ankle Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty)
Total ankle joint replacement surgery is a surgical option aimed at treating severe ankle arthritis. An incision is made over the front of the ankle and soft tissues are retracted back to expose the ankle joint. The damaged bone and cartilage are removed and a new metal or plastic prosthesis is inserted to serve as the new ankle joint. Total ankle joint replacement relieves pain and restores mobility and movement.
Achilles Tendon Repair
Causes
The Achilles tendon is most often injured during sports activities. The tendon rupture is a result of weakness due to age or from a sudden burst while playing a sport.
Symptoms
A ruptured Achilles tendon will result in the inability to rise up on your toes, pain, swelling, and stiffness in the ankle region.
Treatment
Conservative Options (non-surgical)
Following a torn Achilles tendon, one should rest the ankle, apply ice to the injury site, apply compression and elevate the foot. Casting for 6 weeks is a method used to allow the tendon to reattach and then physical therapy is recommended to restore muscle tone and flexibility.
Surgical Option
Surgery is performed to attach the torn Achilles tendon back together using strong sutures and will reattach the tendon to the heel bone in the event the tendon is pulled off the bone.
Ankle Instability
Causes
Ankle instability is a chronic condition as a result of multiple ankle sprains. Inadequate healing of a sprained ligament or reoccurring injury to the same ligament can weaken the ligament and create instability.
Symptoms
The most common symptom from ankle instability is that the ankle feels unstable, the ankle turns while walking on uneven surfaces, pain, swelling, and tenderness at the ankle joint.
Treatment
There are two types of surgeries to treat ankle instability. The first type is called an anatomic repair, in which the damaged ligaments are shortened and tightened. The edges of the damaged ligament will be shortened and repaired with sutures. The repaired ligament will then be covered with a dense band of connective tissue called the extensor retinaculum to further strengthen the repaired ligament. The second type is called a non-anatomic repair, in which a tendon (your own or a cadaver) is used as a graft to replace the damaged ligament.
Foot and Ankle Fractures
Causes
Foot and Ankle fractures are common in athletes and those performing physical work. Ankle fractures can result from a severe rolling and twisting of the ankle usually from a fall. A trauma or repeated stress can cause a fracture to one of the 26 bones in one’s foot. Foot fractures can result from a fall, a heavy object falling on your foot, repeated stress on the foot, or a collision.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms from foot and ankle fractures are pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, and the inability to bear weight on the foot.
Treatment
Conservative Options (non-surgical)
Depending on the severity of the fracture, non-surgical treatments include: rest, ice, compression, elevation, and immobilization. Immobilization will include a splint or cast. Physical therapy may be considered to improve range of motion and to strengthen the muscles in your foot and ankle.
Surgical Options
In the event that the fracture is severe enough for surgery, the surgeon will re-align, reconstruct, or fuse the affected joints.