Foot and Ankle Surgery

What foot and ankle issues typically require surgery to resolve?

Surgery is usually reserved for serious issues that cannot be adequately treated using more conservative approaches like casting and splinting. Some of the most common issues that may require surgery include:

• Serious fractures
• Hammer toes
• Tendon or ligament tears
• Joint injuries or defects including arthritis
• Congenital defects, including those that affect gait
• Bone spurs
• Bunions

How can the doctor tell if I need surgery for my condition?

Surgery is typically used only when more conservative approaches have been tried and have failed to provide long-term or meaningful relief, or in cases where conservative approaches are not appropriate. Before any surgical procedure is performed, a thorough examination and evaluation of the foot and ankle will be performed as well as diagnostic imaging using x-rays or other approaches to ensure surgery is the best approach and to “map out” the procedure.

What is minimally-invasive surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery uses small incisions to access the injured area and to perform repairs. Smaller incisions result in less bleeding, less tissue damage, less postoperative discomfort and faster recovery compared to more traditional approaches that use large incisions. Many joint surgeries including some ankle surgeries can be completed using a minimally-invasive technique called arthroscopy to access the joint with special instruments designed to be used through small incisions. A tiny camera sends images of the joint interior to a video screen where they can be viewed by the surgeon during the procedure.

What are the main types of reconstructive foot and ankle surgery?

• Bunion surgery
• Hammertoe surgery
• Neuroma surgery
• Heel spur surgery
• Ankle ligament reconstruction
• Arthroscopy and endoscopy
• Joint implants
• Tendon reconstruction/ Tendon transfer
• Reconstructive bone procedures/ Bone transfer and transplant
• Joint fusion of the foot and ankle

Revision foot and ankle surgery: Correction Of Traumatic Deformity

Fractures and injuries to the foot and ankle are the most common problems in traumatic injuries to the body. In certain cases, attempted treatments may not result in the desired outcome. Patients may continue to have pain, stiffness and difficulty with walking. Upperline Health offers expert care for revision and treatment of traumatic deformity and pain problems. Through a complete evaluation and on-site testing, your conservative and surgical treatment options will be evaluated. State of the art surgical techniques allow for correction of most deformities often utilizing the latest equipment such as Ilizarov fixation.

Correction Of Poor Reconstruction Attempts

We are proud to be considered an international referral location for poor surgical outcomes. Our doctors have comprehensive expertise in the revision of deformed and poor surgical outcomes. Often, a complete return to normal function is possible following surgical intervention. If conservative care is possible, a treatment plan will be coordinated to your specific needs.

Limb Salvage Revision

Diabetic patients often do not receive the same level of consideration for limb preservation as a non-diabetic patient. Upperline Health has a wide array of testing equipment and wound healing options for difficult diabetic ailments. From simple wound healing to the most complex charcot foot reconstruction, we will not give up on a possible salvage of your foot and leg until there is no other option. Through our association with diabetic and vascular surgery experts, a complete treatment plan will be implemented in order to allow the greatest chance of limb salvage.

What is recovery like after surgery?

Most surgeries require the use of a splint, brace, cast or special supportive boot to enable the bones and soft tissues to heal properly. Physical therapy and use of custom orthotics may also be recommended during healing and recovery to help the foot and ankle regain mobility, flexibility, and strength. Most procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis so the patient can return home the same day.