Foot and Ankle Surgery

The orthopedic surgeons at The Steadman Clinic specializing in foot and ankle injuries are internationally known and have operated on patients from premier athletes to the average individual. 

 

The ankle allows the body to have balance and stability when walking or standing, and must withstand the countless manipulations it experiences on a daily basis. The joint is made up of three bones, the tibia (shin bone), fibula (skinnier bone next to shin bone), and the talus (bone in foot that sits above the heel). The ankle joint allows the foot to move up and down while the subtalar joint, which sits below the ankle joint, allows the foot to move left and right. In addition to the bones of the ankle, there are a number of ligaments that provide support. Cartilage is the white lubricating surface of joints at the end of the respective bones necessary for smooth movement and locomotion.

 

The Steadman Philippon Research Institute has completed reports on foot and ankle injuries and recovery. 

 

 

Among the most common orthopedic injuries are ankle sprains, which are not typically considered major although if they are not treated properly can lead to additional damage. The difference between twisting an ankle and spraining an ankle is the ankle will become swollen and the pain will continue. Of the estimated one million ankle injuries a year, 85% are ankle sprains. 

 

Ankle sprains are classified as high ankle, lateral ankle, medial ankle and low ankle. High ankle sprains are injuries to the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula to the ankle joint. Medial ankle sprains are when the deltoid ligament is injured. Low ankle sprains are injuries to the ligaments that support the subtalar joint, which supports the the foot turning from side to side. High ankle sprains take longer to heal and in higher grade injuries require surgery. Low ankle sprains often heal with conservative management, but a subset of patients can develop chronic ankle instability and persitent pain(CAI). These patients require a procedure to stabilize the ankle.

 

Bunions are a very common injury that is often experienced by adults, although women have a much higher rate than men. A bunion is a bony bump that develops on the top of the large toe at the point that it connects to the foot. Bunions are typically caused by the continuous pressure over years of shoes that are too narrow which causes deformity to the toe, although when bunions develop at earlier years in life, heredity may be the cause. Once formed, bunions can also cause pain to the individual while walking or wearing tight shoes. Surgery to reduce the bunion is possible if the pain becomes too much for the patient to complete daily activities. Recent advances in surgical technology have allowed more reproducible results in deformity correction and minimally invasive techniques in select patients.

 

Ankle arthritis is the progressive degeneration of cartilage where the tibia and talus meet. Most ankle arthritis is posttraumatic in nature- meaning that it is most often caused by ankle sprains and fractures.  Although rarer than hip or knee arthritis, ankle arthritis results in similar disability and pain. As a progressive condition, it will generally worsen with time and the process cannot be reversed. Treatment begins with conservative measures such as bracing, physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), and selective injections with steroids or biologic adjuvants ( Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) or Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC; colloquially ‘stem cells'). In the early stages of the disease, arthroscopic procedures may be appropriate to slow the disease progression.  Towards, the end-stage of the disease, joint sacrificing procedures such as an ankle fusion or total ankle can be considered.  Significant advancements have been made in both procedures to improve patient outcomes.

 

To further educate yourself on foot and ankle procedures, read below or visit the patient education section.

 

 

Find a solution to your ankle or foot pain by making an appointment with one of our surgeons today.

 

It is beneficial to bring x-rays and previous surgical information to your first appointment with the surgeon, so they can determine the best course of action.  Other items to bring to your appointment:

 

To find out if your insurance is accepted at The Steadman Clinic, be sure to visit our insurance page.